Hodgy Is Backing Butcher To Make His Mark

Feb 3 2008 By Gordon Waddell

HONORARY Scot Alan Hodgkinson last night told the Tartan Army to throw their weight behind Terry Butcher and reap the rewards.

Butcher's appointment to George Burley's backroom staff has come under intense scrutiny because of his status as an England legend.

But goalkeeping guru Hodgkinson - who won five caps for England himself in the 50s - spent 15 years in the Scotland dugout before him and helped us to four major finals.

And he reckons it's not where you come from that matters to a team - it's what you do for them that counts.

The Yorkshireman, incredibly in his 55th year in football as a coach at Oxford United, said: "It's all about the contribution you can make. If Terry has something to offer then it's the right decision to bring him in.

"I was asked on board by Andy Roxburgh after doing a few coaching courses at Largs.

"It was at a time when Scottish keepers were getting merciless stick from Saint and Greavesie on English telly.

"But I was there for 15 years and was part of 140 full internationals.

"By the time you include Under-21s and youth games I wore a Scotland tracksuit nearly 200 times.

"And while I might be English, the Scotland result is still the one I look for first. I'm fiercely proud of my time with Scotland.

"I'd like to think I played a part in getting the team to two World Cup finals and two European Championships."

Hodgy, awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours, admits he was ribbed when he first signed up with Scotland.

But he reckons Scotland's footsoldiers should embrace the change.

He said: "The Tartan Army were absolutely wonderful with me and I loved being around them when we were travelling.

"Certainly when I was first in the squad I used to get wound up a bit. Comedian Andy Cameron would come to the hotel for the squad dinners sometimes and would get right in about me!

"But it was all good fun and I was proud to wear the badge.

"I've spoken to Terry a few times and he gives me the impression he'll be a good lad to have in a dressing-room.

"Scotland will benefit from having him - and I hope they do. It has been too long since they were at a World Cup."