Archive for December, 2006

Scotland and Wales to co-host Euro 2016?

Posted in Euro 2016 on December 22, 2006 by Tartan Army Soldier

The Welsh FA are considering the idea of offering to co-host Euro 2016 with Scotland.

After meeting with Assembly Sports Minister Alun Pugh on Dec 12, the Welsh FA have decided to explore the potential of a joint bid with Scotland for Euro 2016. “It’s worth investigating if Scotland and Wales could put a bid together,” FAW secretary David Collins said.

Millenium StadiumPreviously Scotland chose to bid for Euro 2008, partnering with the Republic of Ireland. Wales lost out because of a lack of suitable stadiums. However, Wales should have 3 suitable stadiums ready by 2016. As well as the Millennium Stadium, Swansea City FC’s 20,000-capacity Liberty Stadium is now finished and Cardiff City FC’s new 30,000-seater home at Leckwith is set to get the go-ahead. This puts Wales is a strong position.

How the Scottish FA decides to respond has yet to be seen. I for one hope it will be positive. A Scottish-Welsh partnership could have a good chance of success and it’s about time an international championship came to Scotland.

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Future Scotland star lost to Rep. of Ireland. SFA stupidity?

Posted in Junior Squads on December 12, 2006 by Tartan Army Soldier

It seem the SFA may have stuffed up a chance to hold on to one of Scotland’s finest future stars. With all the good work being done by Walter Smith to raise our nation’s game, this is quite a depressing state of affairs

According to The Herald, 16-year-old attacking midfielder James McCarthey has been picked out for his prime blossoming talent. He is in high demand. Chelsea, Manchester United, Blackburn, Bolton, Sunderland, Plymouth and Reading have all inquired about him, as have Deportivo La Coruna and Barcelona. So, it would surely make sense to offer this young man an international place. As well as inspiring him to keep up his efforts, it would secure his loyalty and obligation to play in the national squad in future years. However this never happened.

The Republic of Ireland has won McCarthy’s talents. The Irish offered McCarthy a place in their under-17 squad who play Italy in Dublin on Jan 19. Having family links with the Republic, and having no alternative offer from Scotland the young star had no choice but take the offer presented to him. Scotland has surely lost out.

I just hope Scotland don’t suffer down the line from what seems a gross oversight :(

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Scotland Under 16s suffer defeat in Scunthorpe

Posted in Junior Squads on December 9, 2006 by Tartan Army Soldier

Scotand’s Under 16 squad suffered a 2-1 defeat a to England last night. Despite taking the lead, the opposition proved too strong and England finished 2-1 victors.

Regardless of defeat there is some hope. Reports by the SFA suggest that, as well as coming second in the group (made up of the four British nations) the players performed well and did themselves proud. This has to be a good sign for future Scotland teams and any successor to Walter Smith (long may that day be postponed) will be able to use these players to build on the present coach’s fine work.

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Walter Smith voted Top Scot

Posted in Walter Smith on December 2, 2006 by Tartan Army Soldier

Scotland manager, Walter Smith, was recently awarded the title of Top Scot at the Spirit of Scotland Awards. Having built an invigorated Scotland squad that now sits at the top of their group in the Euro 2008 qualifying stages, it was no major shock to see Smith presented with this award at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House earlier this week.

A number of awards were presented that evening. Scots were honoured for their contributions to their country through business, art, theatre, etc. When, at the end of the evening, the Scotland coach was announced as the overall Top Scot, Smith was quick to thank his team for their efforts: “It is not often that someone in sport achieves something like this. It is a reflection on the performance of the entire team.”

Top Scot indeed. Well done Walter. Keep up the good work.

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