Scottish demise began long ago, claims grassed off Fergie
Berti Vogts’ hold on his post as Scotland coach is looking increasingly tenuous after a dismal two-and-a-half years in charge of the national side.
Scotland have collected just two points from their opening three World Cup qualifiers and the Scottish FA board are due to meet again to discuss Vogts’ position.
Ferguson feels however that former Germany coach Vogts has been handicapped by a lack of talent and that he saw these problems coming a long time ago.
Ferguson said: “I could see the dangers many years ago. You can go back to the early 1980s when the teachers stopped looking after the kids’ football.
“That was the first downfall because schools football was disciplined and it was the foundation for all the best players.
“At the same time boys club football had emerged very powerfully but that is a different animal because there’s a competitive element that maybe you don’t need. Therefore you maybe take away the practice ethic.
“You need to concentrate on the practice part rather than the playing because, anyone can play in a game of football but it doesn’t mean to say you are a footballer. Whereas if you practise, it certainly gives you a chance to become a player.”
Ferguson insists however there is still hope for the game in his homeland and revealed United are looking at a Scottish teenager.
He added: “Maybe the lack of funding is a problem but I believe there are one or two players beginning to emerge further down the line which is good news.
“We are still looking in Scotland. We called up a 16-year-boy this year called David Gray from Lothian who is looking very promising.”
Ferguson refused to be drawn on the subject of Vogts’ future. The Old Trafford boss and former Scotland manager was instrumental in the German’s appointment and helped SFA chief executive David Taylor sift through the applications to succeed Craig Brown.
A decision on Vogts could be taken at the next SFA board meeting, which if all 11 members can be gathered together, could take place on November 4.
It looks likely Vogts may leave but Ferguson spoke up for the under-fire coach.
He said: “Some people should take a step back and realise what a job Berti has done in respect of giving young players a chance but I can’t comment on what decision should be taken, it’s not my job to do that.”
Ferguson also refused to endorse the suitability of his former assistant coach Walter Smith as a possible replacement.
Smith is among the favourites to succeed Vogts but Ferguson would not comment, saying: “I wouldn’t go into that, not at this stage.”
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