50 years since 1966

[ed_Scottishfitba1]

and how have the home nations progressed since that date that haunts Scotland and hangs like a anvil round the neck of England? Scotland have flattered to deceive on a number of occasions with chances to make a name for themselves in a number of international competitions. However, we have managed to grab embarrassment from the jaws of mediocrity and not learnt that much. Who to blame - players not focussing on their skills and following the money; clubs looking to keep their players fit for domestic /international club games; the SFA - investing in a number of studies into 'how can we improve' but failing to follow up on the recommendations while investing the several millions they have controlled over the years.

England failed to enjoy the legacy of the 66 win and did not reach World Cup finals on a number of occasions. They are regularly lauded as the best team ever to have headed to the EUROS and World Cup but have not managed to lift the famous trophy in fifty years. Some fantastic players have been produced and deliver for their clubs sides but, like Scottish players, seem weighted down by expectations when the national shirt is pulled over the head.

Ireland North and Republic have been quietly working away developing a team ethos that belies the skill pool they have available. Their showing in the recent EUROS in France shows that they have made progress.

Wales, on the back of Gareth Bales elevation to the stratosphere of Spanish football with Real Madrid and the work behind the scenes by the late Gary Speed and current manager Chris Coleman, have been a surprise package. Team work and willingness to put bodies on the line no matter who they face have been the hallmark of their progress.

Which style of progress over 50 years can Scotland learn from the most? Can we shake off the ‘wae’s like us’ attitude; actually learn from defeats and build a programme of games that are appropriate to blood new faces in the national side rather than playing the same 11-13 players in the squad against the likes of France.

Anybody got any views?

[Buc]

Doesn't look like we have any views ED.


But I will say England had an amazing TEAM back then .a very good captain a world class keeper just to start with.

That's a very good start .. They deserved that 66 trophy.

[ed_Scottishfitba1]

see an alternative 66 scenario http://www.scotland-mad.co.uk/news/t...81/index.shtml

[Bodie80]

We need to look at both the Irish and also the Welsh styles so we can progress. Also need to bring in and play some of our younger talent in friendly matches. Dundee have Bain and Stewart who both had great seasons. They are two that should be giving a chance. Sticking with the same old players who have failed over and over again does not work

[Bodie80]

I watched a programme about 66 last night. Totally different to today's football. It is well worth a watch if it is repeated

[Buc]

I watched a programme about 66 last night. Totally different to today's football. It is well worth a watch if it is repeated

Aye the ball was much heavier which changes the game a bit.
The fitness now is much better .
I would put that England team to do a job on most top European clubs .
With the exception of Real Madrid Barcelona and Bayern.

[54FairAndSquare]

I don't quite get that Buc. The ball was a lot heavier 50 years ago and players were a lot less fit.

But that England team would compare well with most teams today? Doesn't make sense.

Personally, I think it's hard to draw comparisons between football players and teams any more than about 10/15 years apart. But these comparisons always make tempting pub debates.

[Scoobydhoo]

Considering that between 1958 and 1974 we had failed to reach any tournament finals ,we are currently on the same losing streak.

Times have changed though,most Scottish club teams of that era were full of Scottish born players ,in fact when our club teams won in European finals they were all Scottish.
Until we get back to a club system where at least 8 players are Scottish we will always have an inferior international,team.
Gone are the days as well where English teams were full,of scots,at one point man utd and Leeds had more than half their team from Scotland.

Both Irish teams are punching above their weight at the moment and wil struggle to make the next World Cup while Wales without Gareth bale would be ordinary.

England will never reach the latter stages of finals with the EPL now only 30% English.

[Buc]

Interesting post Scooby ..I'm also mostly in agreement with you .

[Scoobydhoo]

Scotland for all the really good players we have produced have never got past the first round of any tournament,it's like our mentality we can't be away from home for more than 2 weeks.

When the English,both Irish and even Wales when they get there,they always seem to make at least the 2nd round.

When you think of all the class players we have had between 1950's and 1980's and not once could we form a team to get past the opening round,it'pretty sad.