Berti Resigns as Scottish Coach

A Personal Statement from Berti Vogts has been placed below and on the

SFA website. No further comment will be offered by the Scottish FA at

this time.

The Scottish FA Board meets again on Thursday, 4 November to discuss

matters concerning the selection of a new Scotland Coach.

A further press statement on this subject will be made thereafter.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: BERTI VOGTS

With great reluctance, myself and The Scottish Football Association,

and in particular John McBeth and David Taylor, who have been a source

of great strength and support, have made a joint decision to close this

chapter in my life at the helm of Scottish International football.

From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart as

I have enjoyed my tenure at the hub of the Scottish Football Team and

the warmth that I have experienced from the people of Scotland.

I must say that the major factor in this decision has been the

disgraceful abuse that I have suffered, especially of late. It has

degenerated into a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where

I have been spat upon. This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised

society and I know that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my

disgust at this act by a very tiny minority. The abuse is something that

people in public life must get used to, but now it is having a serious

effect upon my home life. I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be

involved in the abuse that I have to endure. And it is this that has

made this very hard decision inevitable.

But what these actions have proved has been the unacceptable power of

the tabloid press to influence its readership. The opinions expressed

mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a

great effect on some of the fans. This is despite the input into the

debate by influential "football people" such as arguably the most

successful manager ever in British football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Graham

Souness, a great Scotland Captain and the Manager who was at the helm of

Rangers through a golden time, where they became a force to be feared

throughout Europe. I have also heard and read informed opinions of

Scottish football greats such as Kenny Dalglish, Martin O'Neill, Alex

McLeish and Tommy Docherty, who have enviable records in the game and

are respected throughout football. And I am grateful to my fellow

international manager, Mark Hughes, for his analysis. He is seen as the

man who revived Welsh football, on an occasion to my detriment. And only

this week my predecessor, Craig Brown, entered the debate. I must say

that I thank him for his comments that from a man, who understands

Scottish International football first hand, are most welcome.

But I know that the opinions that have been expressed by a section of

the press are not those of the majority of the Scottish people. The

press have only expressed personal opinions. But it is impossible to

have any right of reply in reality. In public life the media are in a

position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified.

I have to say that I have been touched by the unreserved support that

my players have given me, especially my Captain, Barry Ferguson. I was

proud that they stood shoulder to shoulder with me, when it would have

been easy to turn their backs. But when the going got tough, they stood

firm. I am really proud of them all and eternally grateful for that

unity that I experienced both in and out of the dressing room.

Might I also say that it was not only I, but also the players who have

been maligned by the press. They deserve better. They have been proud to

serve their nation and did so to the very best of their abilities. I

still have belief in my boys, all of them. I know that in time, and

given support, they will develop into the team of my vision. They always

gave their all, both for me and for Scotland. I could ask no more of

them. I take away fond memories of my times with these men, some who I

saw develop from boys into men, when they were thrown into the lions

den.

I also must give my sincere thanks to my staff and all at the SFA,

especially my great assistant, Tommy Burns, whose expertise,

professional input and loyalty can't be appreciated enough. The support

they gave me was always 100%. It was not a job for them, but a cause to

fight for, one they still believe passionately in. I have made lifelong

friends amongst my Scottish colleagues. They will never fade from my

memories. When my back was against the wall, I felt great strength from

the staff that supported my efforts. They all know who I refer to and

they are always welcome wherever I may be in this World.

Good Luck Boys.

Berti Vogts