SCOTLAND'S STRUGGLES
George Burley's position under threat as SFA plan talks
George Burley's position as Scotland manager is under renewed scrutiny with the news that the Scottish Football Association will meet to assess his future in the wake of a disappointing defeat to Wales.
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George Burley looks despondent as Scotland lose to Wales
Burley was retained as Scotland manager despite the country's failure to reach the World Cup play-offs but a humbling 3-0 defeat in Cardiff on Saturday appears to have forced the SFA into a rethink.
The governing body will meet in the next week to decide whether Burley will be given the chance to lead Scotland as they embark on their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. However, it is believed that the former Hearts manager could well have his tenure brought to an abrupt end with the SFA disappointed with the level of performance against Wales.
''The manager is the boss and he is the one who is going to get the stick but it's everybody,'' striker Steven Naismith said after the game. ''He's not the one who goes out on the park and wins the games - that's the strikers. And he's not the one who goes out on the park and defends - that's the defenders. Basically, everybody who played has to have a hard look at themselves.''
His views were shared by captain Darren Fletcher, who has always been vocal in his backing of Burley.
''There was a lot of talk about the manager and you could hear the fans and they are rightly disappointed,'' said the Manchester United midfielder. ''They expect better and deserve better. The players have let the manager down. It wasn't a good enough performance from everyone. Nobody can really take anything from the game. It's disappointing all around, letting down the manager again.''
Burley repeatedly dodged questions about his future in his post-match press conference before eventually conceding it would not be his decision whether he remains in charge for the next game, a friendly against the Czech Republic in March.
Dundee United manager Craig Levein and Rangers boss Walter Smith - who managed Scotland between December 2004 and January 2007 - are currently installed as the bookies' leading candidates to replace Burley should he be sacked.
