fraser77 0 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 By ROGER HANNAH Published: Today rigTeaserImage BARRY FERGUSON could have played his last game for Scotland — after being axed by George Burley last night. Skipper Ferguson and his Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor were booted out after an early-morning bevvy session on Sunday. SunSport can reveal boss Burley has binned the pair for tonight’s do-or-die World Cup crunch against Iceland at Hampden. Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, joined team-mates for drinks at posh Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond early on Sunday. Burley sanctioned the post-match bonding session, but was left in a rage when it carried on for several HOURS. It’s believed he has spent the last 48 hours pondering a punishment for the Ibrox duo. Ferguson’s sensational axeing casts huge doubts over his future with Scotland. He has played just once for Burley in the last 14 months and, despite winning 45 caps, he has never won over the Tartan Army. McGregor, who will be replaced between the sticks by Craig Gordon, has won only four caps. The SFA refused to comment on the boozing claims last night, although chief executive Gordon Smith will come under pressure to make a statement today. Burley will also have to address the incident after tonight’s must-win clash. But it is the biggest gamble of his managerial career. Burley will now rip apart the side which plunged to defeat in Holland. Alan Hutton will replace the crocked Graham Alexander at right-back, while West Brom’s James Morrison will take Ferguson’s place in midfield. Fit-again Stephen McManus will replace Christophe Berra and also be handed the captain’s armband in Ferguson’s absence. Steven Fletcher is expected to take Gary Teale’s place. Before the sensational row blew up last night, Burley insisted he would not be scared to axe any of his top stars. He said: “It’s a one-off game, a cup final for us, and I’ll pick a one-off team to win the match. “These are going to be key decisions, big decisions. “I’m not going to speak about individuals, but every position is under consideration. I’ll speak to the players in the morning. “I had to make hard decisions when we faced Iceland in Reykjavik, but I picked the team that was right and I had no regrets. I will have no regrets this time either. I will back my own judgement. It will simply be what I think will be the best team to win. “As a manager, you can’t please everybody.” The absence of Ferguson — and the circumstances surrounding his exit — will cause most controversy. Advertisement First capped more than a decade ago, his dreams of a place in the SFA Hall of Fame — and playing at a major finals — may now go unfulfilled. He has been capped by FIVE different Scotland bosses — Craig Brown, Berti Vogts, Walter Smith, Alex McLeish and Burley. He’s also won every domestic honour in Scotland, led Gers into the UEFA Cup Final and twice been honoured as Player of the Year. It’s unclear what the future holds for Ferguson with regard to Scotland as Burley's own job could depend on tonight's result. Defeat or a draw against Iceland would almost certainly end hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Finals in South Africa next summer. SFA chief executive Smith and president George Peat handed the ex-Hearts gaffer the national team job until the end of the qualifying campaign. But if it comes to a premature end this evening, it's certain to prompt calls for the gaffer’s head after just nine matches in charge. And any future Scotland boss would then have to decide whether to bring Ferguson and McGregor, as well as Kris Boyd, back into the fold. It’s believed the manager is aggrieved that players abused the trust he’d placed in them and feels badly let down. A peace pact between Burley and the axed aces can’t be ruled out.For now, though, Scotland must enter the most important game of Burley’s reign without their most experienced and influential player. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOLUWDC 1 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Wow. Thought this was an April Fools joke. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
radlord 24 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Need a source or I'm calling April Fools Anyway Barry will quit Scotland at the end of the season regardless Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac444 6 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 How ridiculous is true, if players couldnt have a few drinks a full 3 days before a match the majority of them would be tee-total throughout the season. Although quite possibly the usual tabloid pish Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraser77 0 Posted April 1, 2009 Author Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/ho...icle2353364.ece THAT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YEES ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOLUWDC 1 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/ho...icle2353364.ece Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boab 73 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Wow. Thought this was an April Fools joke. Won't know until the line-ups are announced. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOLUWDC 1 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...e.html?ITO=1490 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...e.html?ITO=1490 No mention of the "bevvy session" in that article. Fair play to Burley if he is dropping Ferguson based on form, he hasn't been good enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
radlord 24 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Sheeeeeeeeeaat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaguy51 912 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Welcome to RM's next 30-pager if this is indeed true Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommy2212 151 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Burley sanctioned the post-match bonding session, but was left in a rage when it carried on for several HOURS. Burley is a walloper Whats todays date again Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
radlord 24 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...e.html?ITO=1490 No mention of the "bevvy session" in that article. Fair play to Burley if he is dropping Ferguson based on form, he hasn't been good enough. agreed - but in the middle of a double header? What was he supposed to do against Holland? Plus who's he going to bring in? Ferguson would have retired at the end of the season (from internationals) anyway, this is more appalling man management by the old lush. A desperation move. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...e.html?ITO=1490 No mention of the "bevvy session" in that article. Fair play to Burley if he is dropping Ferguson based on form, he hasn't been good enough. agreed - but in the middle of a double header? What was he supposed to do against Holland? Plus who's he going to bring in? Ferguson would have retired at the end of the season (from internationals) anyway, this is more appalling ma management by Burley. A desperation move. Wouldn't be surprised if it was Fletcher and Brown in the middle of a 4-4-2(if this is true that is). He'll retire if we don't make the World Cup(which we won't) but I'd be surprised if he did it at the end of the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy 68 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Fergie wont play for scotland again Good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
radlord 24 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 This is the last international of the season though isn't it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenose_72 198 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 This is the last international of the season though isn't it? This is the last qualifier until Norway away on August 12th. Then we have Macedonia and Holland in September. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,078 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Boyd, McCulloch, McGregor and Ferguson - anyone see a trend here. Saying that, I don't think any player should be seen drinking in such a public place especially after defeat Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOLUWDC 1 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 This is the last international of the season though isn't it? This is the last qualifier until Norway away on August 12th. Then we have Macedonia and Holland in September. I think we will win them all Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvager 498 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 If Scotland lose or draw tomorrow bye bye Burnley. Still it shows you how stupid Bazza and Shagger may really be. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty657 1 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Not like Bazza to be caught drinking or partying is it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,078 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 If I were captain of Scotland and Rangers and made 25,000/week, I wouldn't drink. It's that simple. The fact that he does and plays gash drive me to drink ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delparlane 5,722 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Wow. Thought this was an April Fools joke. What, Burley as Scotland Gaffer? No, sadly, 'tis true... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
broxibear87 129 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 I got absolutely slaughtered when I said this on Sunday. There were a few journalists strolling around the hotel pretending to be guests. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueballss 2,972 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Need a source or I'm calling April Fools Anyway Barry will quit Scotland at the end of the season regardless Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts