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Salmond's goal is to see Kris Boyd return



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Published Date: 15 October 2008
ALEX Salmond, the First Minister, yesterday entered the row about Rangers' footballer Kris Boyd's refusal to play again for Scotland while George Burley is the manager.
Mr Salmond said he believed that Boyd's decision to exclude himself for selection following the 0-0 draw with Norway on Saturday was made "in the heat of the moment".

Boyd announced his decision after watching the match from the substitutes bench.

"I would think it was disappointment that was speaking," said Mr Salmond. "I think he made the decision in the heat of the moment, and if he thought about it he might come to a different decision. I hope he will.

"There was a similar situation with Duncan Ferguson in the past. He fell out with the SFA and he quit playing for his country.

"I'm sure he must think back and regret what he did."





The full article contains 152 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Richardinho,

15/10/2008 00:26:30
I agree. Boyd is a dope because the 0-0 draw created a taylor-made case for him getting a starting place. He blew it.
He will have to make a public apology to George Burley and to the Scotland fans first of all and I don't think he's man enough to do that.
2

Canadian Jambo,

15/10/2008 00:47:01
Alex, looks like you are sucking up to Rangers' supporters. Mind you-lots of votes there.If you are going to meddle in football, as a Hearts supporter (like me) might I ask that you do something about Romanov and his minions? Then, if I lived in Scotland you might get my vote.
3

Wee Pal Joe,

15/10/2008 00:59:28
#1,

Maybe George Burley should apologise to Scotland fans: wrong team selection, wrong substitutes, unnecessary and unconvincing outburst on Monday....
4

Incandescent,

15/10/2008 01:40:09
The First Minister should not be seen to be involved in this matter - it clearly breaches the Ministerial Code of Conduct. End
5

james 1st,

hamilton nz 15/10/2008 05:02:49
salmnd said,, probably in response to a question, ihope he reonsiders. he did not set a goal to make this happen so the headline is stupid
burley boobed bigtime in playing two inexperinced internationals and leaving a man with experience on the sideline
boyd may not have scored but how do you think you would feel in similar circumstances, two new boys played, practically no itnernational experience and no international goals, no wonder he decided not to play for scotland while burley remains manager
6

The Spook in Leith,

15/10/2008 06:48:21
I disagree with our First Minister on this issue, if a player refuses to play for his country because of the Mangers selection of the team, well its just hard disappointing luck, Remember no player is bigger than the team but at the same time i would like to see Boyd back in the team even it was as a super sub...!!!
7

tommytommy,

15/10/2008 07:07:51
The worlds economies are in free fallwhile Alex Salmond concerns hiself with important matters.
8

W U Merchant,

Aberdeen 15/10/2008 07:45:32
Alex, stick to the knitting.
9

aljok.23,

the world 15/10/2008 08:59:41
Take Glasgow Rangers out of the equation and then Scotland can truly have a squad who wants to play and win.
10

Doh,

15/10/2008 09:40:11

Alex is not manager of the Scotland football team.

His ego knows no bounds.
11

MandyMac,

Glasgow 15/10/2008 10:00:00
First Minister needs to stick to what he knows, not sure WHAT that is, perhaps his own rotund reflection!
12

connaughtboy,

stonehaven 15/10/2008 10:14:06
The issue with boyd is his fondness for the booze. ask Paul le Guen !

As soon as he cuts that out he will get a regular start in the Rangers team. I personally doubt that he will.
13

Steve,

Bo'ness 15/10/2008 11:02:10
I think Alex Salmond is right, however, he's stupidly allowed himself to be interviewed on something fairly trivial in the middle of a global economic crisis, and the media have pounced on it.

No point asking Gordon Brown though, as he wants to destroy the Scotland team and turn us into Team GB Brit clones. The s**t.
14

Alberto.,

15/10/2008 11:21:45
The selection of Scotland’s National Football team is not / or should not require or receive interference from any politician - especially the First Minister, who, I think it's fair to say at this time - or indeed any time, should have and be dealing with far more important 'National' problems - for which he should be giving greater concern!

George Burley should also realise that when he selects from his team gathering, he will have all the Nationalism he needs (possibly due to the 'Price being Right!!!) - but it will not win matches

By now, from his experience, he should know that only good skilful football and great tactics, stitched together with much practice, in the simple but very necessary skills of the game - like 'passing (preferably in time and to a team mate), heading, tackling and winning the ball - and having real enthusiasm 'all the time' whether in possession of the ball or not!!

It 'Kinda makes sense!!!'
15

Alan B,

15/10/2008 12:33:47
Cannot believe the idiots trying to critise Salmond. He is asked a question at an interview. What is he meant to do refuse to answer. All he did was give a diplomatic answer.

Atleast he cares about the scottish team, and did so before being FM, unlike Broon, who does not want to be seen supporting scotland incase it does not play well in England. And will talk about his favourite goals being ones scored against scotland by england. And will attend English games to boost his political support etc.
16

G,

dundy 15/10/2008 12:34:35
Boyd showed his character when he whined and resigned. I don't want him back.....that Salmond thinks he should speak out for this waster suggests that he is losing touch with the people.......does he not have something better to do with his time considering the credit crunch and all....oh wait a minute, that's a global financial problem and wee Lec hasn't a clue about money .....
17

JayDeeTee,

15/10/2008 12:49:22
Many of us were disappointed that Boyd didn't get a game but at the end of the day its the manager's job to decide who plays and who doesn't. If Boyd cannot accept that he shouldn't be playing football and his threat never to play for Scotland again whilst Burley is in charge is childish and petulant. Head full of mince and too much money in his bank account.
18

JoeMiddleton,

Edinburgh 15/10/2008 13:22:16
Boyd scored a lot of crucial goals for his country but he can't pick the manager and shouldn't be trying to do so. I would like to see him back playing for Scotland but he would have to swallow his pride first.

You can understand his frustration at not getting picked but I hope he will reconsider. The stuff about him being a Ranger player is ignorant p*sh. He has scored a lot of goals for Scotland and remains a patriotic Scot, he's just one who has fell out with his manager and hopefully he will reconsider his position soon.

The country should always come first and if Boyd wants to play (as I'm sure he does) he needs to prove to his manager that he is good enough.
19

Rufus T. Firefly,

15/10/2008 15:13:17
WTF has this to do with Salmond?

If Kris Boyd decides he wont play for Burley again, then it has nothing to do with third rate SNP politicians.
20

ptdoug,

15/10/2008 23:09:49
Alex Salmond, as a card carrying member of the Tartan Army, has as much right to comment on the Boyd issue as anyone else.

Also, when asked a direct question, he has the right to demonstrate basic good manners... and answer the question.

First Minister is his JOB .... and like anyone else with a job... he is also entitled to a LIFE.

I suggest all you cringing unionists get a life.... and think before you open your mouths to begin spewing your verbal diarrhea.

Like your unionist politicians.... you have never come close to landing a punch on Salmond.


 

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