Berti Vogts personal statement
Berti Vogts has resigned as Scotland manager, ending weeks of speculation about his future. Here is the full text of his personal statement.
With great reluctance, myself and The Scottish Football Association, and in particular John McBeth and David Taylor, who have been a source of great strength and support, have made a joint decision to close this chapter in my life at the helm of Scottish International football.
From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart as I have enjoyed my tenure at the hub of the Scottish Football Team and the warmth that I have experienced from the people of Scotland.
I must say that the major factor in this decision has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered, especially of late.
It has degenerated into a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where I have been spat upon.
This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised society and I know that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my disgust at this act by a very tiny minority.
The abuse is something that people in public life must get used to, but now it is having a serious effect upon my home life.
I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be involved in the abuse that I have to endure.
And it is this that has made this very hard decision inevitable.
But what these actions have proved has been the unacceptable power of the tabloid press to influence its readership.
The opinions expressed mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a great effect on some of the fans.
This is despite the input into the debate by influential "football people" such as arguably the most successful manager ever in British football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Graham Souness, a great Scotland Captain and the Manager who was at the helm of Rangers through a golden time, where they became a force to be feared throughout Europe.
I have also heard and read informed opinions of Scottish football greats such as Kenny Dalglish, Martin O'Neill, Alex McLeish and Tommy Docherty, who have enviable records in the game and are respected throughout football.
And I am grateful to my fellow international manager, Mark Hughes, for his analysis.
He is seen as the man who revived Welsh football, on an occasion to my detriment.
And only this week my predecessor, Craig Brown, entered the debate.
I must say that I thank him for his comments that from a man, who understands Scottish International football first hand, are most welcome.
But I know that the opinions that have been expressed by a section of the press are not those of the majority of the Scottish people.
The press have only expressed personal opinions.
But it is impossible to have any right of reply in reality.
In public life the media are in a position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified.
I have to say that I have been touched by the unreserved support that my players have given me, especially my Captain, Barry Ferguson.
I was proud that they stood shoulder to shoulder with me, when it would have been easy to turn their backs. But when the going got tough, they stood firm.
I am really proud of them all and eternally grateful for that unity that I experienced both in and out of the dressing room.
Might I also say that it was not only I, but also the players who have been maligned by the press.
They deserve better. They have been proud to serve their nation and did so to the very best of their abilities.
I still have belief in my boys, all of them.
I know that in time, and given support, they will develop into the team of my vision.
They always gave their all, both for me and for Scotland. I could ask no more of them.
I take away fond memories of my times with these men, some who I saw develop from boys into men, when they were thrown into the lions den.
I also must give my sincere thanks to my staff and all at the SFA, especially my great assistant, Tommy Burns, whose expertise, professional input and loyalty can't be appreciated enough.
The support they gave me was always 100%.
It was not a job for them, but a cause to fight for, one they still believe passionately in.
I have made lifelong friends amongst my Scottish colleagues. They will never fade from my memories.
When my back was against the wall, I felt great strength from the staff that supported my efforts.
They all know who I refer to and they are always welcome wherever I may be in this World.
Good Luck Boys.
Berti Vogts
Berti Vogts has resigned as Scotland manager, ending weeks of speculation about his future. Here is the full text of his personal statement.
With great reluctance, myself and The Scottish Football Association, and in particular John McBeth and David Taylor, who have been a source of great strength and support, have made a joint decision to close this chapter in my life at the helm of Scottish International football.
From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart as I have enjoyed my tenure at the hub of the Scottish Football Team and the warmth that I have experienced from the people of Scotland.
I must say that the major factor in this decision has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered, especially of late.
It has degenerated into a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where I have been spat upon.
This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised society and I know that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my disgust at this act by a very tiny minority.
The abuse is something that people in public life must get used to, but now it is having a serious effect upon my home life.
I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be involved in the abuse that I have to endure.
And it is this that has made this very hard decision inevitable.
But what these actions have proved has been the unacceptable power of the tabloid press to influence its readership.
The opinions expressed mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a great effect on some of the fans.
This is despite the input into the debate by influential "football people" such as arguably the most successful manager ever in British football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Graham Souness, a great Scotland Captain and the Manager who was at the helm of Rangers through a golden time, where they became a force to be feared throughout Europe.
I have also heard and read informed opinions of Scottish football greats such as Kenny Dalglish, Martin O'Neill, Alex McLeish and Tommy Docherty, who have enviable records in the game and are respected throughout football.
And I am grateful to my fellow international manager, Mark Hughes, for his analysis.
He is seen as the man who revived Welsh football, on an occasion to my detriment.
And only this week my predecessor, Craig Brown, entered the debate.
I must say that I thank him for his comments that from a man, who understands Scottish International football first hand, are most welcome.
But I know that the opinions that have been expressed by a section of the press are not those of the majority of the Scottish people.
The press have only expressed personal opinions.
But it is impossible to have any right of reply in reality.
In public life the media are in a position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified.
I have to say that I have been touched by the unreserved support that my players have given me, especially my Captain, Barry Ferguson.
I was proud that they stood shoulder to shoulder with me, when it would have been easy to turn their backs. But when the going got tough, they stood firm.
I am really proud of them all and eternally grateful for that unity that I experienced both in and out of the dressing room.
Might I also say that it was not only I, but also the players who have been maligned by the press.
They deserve better. They have been proud to serve their nation and did so to the very best of their abilities.
I still have belief in my boys, all of them.
I know that in time, and given support, they will develop into the team of my vision.
They always gave their all, both for me and for Scotland. I could ask no more of them.
I take away fond memories of my times with these men, some who I saw develop from boys into men, when they were thrown into the lions den.
I also must give my sincere thanks to my staff and all at the SFA, especially my great assistant, Tommy Burns, whose expertise, professional input and loyalty can't be appreciated enough.
The support they gave me was always 100%.
It was not a job for them, but a cause to fight for, one they still believe passionately in.
I have made lifelong friends amongst my Scottish colleagues. They will never fade from my memories.
When my back was against the wall, I felt great strength from the staff that supported my efforts.
They all know who I refer to and they are always welcome wherever I may be in this World.
Good Luck Boys.
Berti Vogts
