Grow Up! Tel Will Be Great For Scotland

Mar 16 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

JOHN GORMAN has urged Scotland to "grow up" as a nation and stop moaning about English legend Terry Butcher being George Burley's No.2.

Our new management team are gearing up for their first match against Croatia at Hampden in 10 days.

Butcher's inclusion in Burley's backroom team caused a stir after he won 77 caps for the Auld Enemy.

But on March 26 he'll stand in the home dugout wearing dark blue and Gorman knows exactly how Tel will feel. The Glasgow-born former Celtic player was appointed England assistant boss by close friend Glenn Hoddle 12 years ago.

The 58-year-old can't believe certain Scots fans have voiced disapproval over Butcher's role - and insists he was never questioned in England because of his nationality. In fact, Gorman is convinced the English actually like us and backed Butcher to be a success.

John said: "It hurts me to say it but Scotland must grow up a bit as a nation.

They are entitled to make a fuss but it's unfair on Terry.

"George hasn't had his first game yet everyone is

questioning his decision.

We had Germans managing the full side and Under-21s a few years back but Terry is from just over the road.

"There's an Italian in charge of England but everyone has given him their support because they want him to be successful.

"That's what it was like when I was with Glenn.

"Scotland fans should just say, 'If that is George's choice let's get behind him'.

"Terry is a good coach and motivator and lives in Scotland. A few people have played for Scotland who aren't even Scottish."

Gorman, chief scout at Southampton, has lived in England for 38 years after coaching spells at clubs including Swindon, Ipswich and Wycombe.

He'll never forget the day Hoddle asked him to switch allegiance and admits he did hesitate.

John said: "Of course there was hesitation, especially with me being Scottish. But Glenn was adamant and said there had been one before me.

"Bill Taylor was No.2 to Ron Greenwood when he managed England in the 70s and 80s and Glenn enjoyed playing under him.

"It always felt a bit strange being Scottish and working with England. But since moving here aged 20 I've always been treated well by English people.

"Only Scots have a problem with England, not the other way round.

"Once I started with the national team it was just like a club. Alan Shearer, Paul Ince, Ian Wright and Gazza were great with me and are still my friends."

Gorman worked with Burley at Ipswich and Saints and also knows Butcher well.

He said: "George is passionate and will do well.

All he has to do is qualify for the World Cup and he'll be a hero. It's a hard group but we can do it."