Famous Tartan Army Magazine

DEDICATED TO THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM & SUPPORTERS 2020_ISSUE 1

IT’S THE FINAL
COUNTDOWN

SCOTS TOP
THE GROUP
CRAIG BROWN

Reflects on the euros

LEANNE
CRICHTON

On her career and
women’s football

RORY HAMILTON
Fans with microphones
AND LOTS
MORE...
£3

www.tartanarmymagazine.com

BOOK REVIEW ‘SCOTLAND: CLUB, COUNTRY
& COLLECTABLES’ REVIEWED
BY IAIN EMERSON

Here is a great book, A4 in size and consisting of 280 pages of Scotland through the years in glorious colour. In glorious victory,
and in our now familiar glorious failure. The authors describe the book as an offbeat soccer hardback, or more aptly, a football
annual for grown ups.

The authors are David Stuart & Robert Marshall, who are the guys behind the excellent Scotland Epistles Football Magazine which
caters for followers of the Scotland National Football Team past and present. They also,
published back in 2017, their earlier book Scotland: Glory, Tears and Souvenirs.

Scotland: Club, Country & Collectables’ splits into two parts.

Part 1 is about how the following clubs have all had players represent the national team
over the years. Aberdeen, Airdrie, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool,
Celtic, Chelsea, Clyde, Coventry City, Derby County, Dundee, Dundee Utd, Everton,
Falkirk, Morton, Hibs, Hearts, Kilmarnock, Leeds Utd, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd,
Motherwell, Newcastle Utd, Partick Thistle, Rangers St Mirren, and Spurs. Lots of
interesting facts about players past and present and those who could have been long
forgotten if not brought back to the fore in this book.

Part 2 provides an alternative A-Z, which allows for all sorts of Scotland related topics,
facts and memorabilia to be covered, ranging from A - African opponents faced, to Z - ZZ
tops-Foreign superstars who have appeared at Hampden! All making for interesting and
informative reading. The book covers everything from match programmes and trading
cards to badges and beer labels, postcards, postage stamps and replica jerseys.

The Road to Euro 2021 is covered, with clues offered as to whether Scotland can qualify To read or not to read?
for our first ‘finals’ in over 20 years. We are close, very close. For me it’s an ideal pick Definitely a must for any Scotland fan,
up/put down coffee table book, or one for the Khazi book, or in flight book, or bed time
reading book. Lots of interesting facts, stories, pictures and funny moments that will take and would fit nicely into a big
you into your own little dreamland relating to your own Scotland memories. stretchable Christmas stocking!
I like this type of book, every time you pick it up you find another gem that you didn’t
know about previously. Did you know that Sandy Jardine and Graig Gordon were both RRP £19.99
born on New Years Eve?… no neither did I, but I do now. Bring on that next
pub (or zoom) quiz!

READ BACK FREE
ISSUES

www.tartanarmymagazine.com

A HUGE ‘THANK YOU” TO EVERYONE WHO READ A
COPY OF THE LAST ISSUE. YOUR SUPPORT, FEEDBACK
AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

Remember, you can still read a copy of the last issue of ‘Famous Tartan
Army Magazine’ free of charge at our website, which is at
www.tartanarmymagazine.com

In the last issue you will find Steve Clarke and Shelley Kerr speaking ‘in
their own words’, read the Tartan Army’s favourite singer Ted Christopher
interview, read the facebook feedback comments on VAR,
Sky Sports presenter Luke Shanley’s love affair with Scotland,
Richard McBrearty column, read the views of Scottish Football
Supports Association, Wilf Parkinson, Diamond Studios, and
see epic tartan army photos, and as they say… lots, lots ,more!

You’ll also find details of how to get your hands on a printed
copy too, while stocks last!

Check us out on facebook and twitter too!

02

CONTENTS November 2020

4 Step up and be counted If you wish to contribute in any way Front Cover Photo by Colin Robinson Imaging
5 Steve Clarke in his own words please get in touch:
6-8 Euro review with Craig Brown Browse: www.tartanarmymagazine.com
9 My time as a mascot Email: [email protected]
10-11 Fans with microphones Call: 07725 502 465
12-15 Leanne Crichton feature Visit our facebook and Twitter
16 The virtual tartan army ‘Famous Tartan Army Magazine’

So much has happened in the world since the last issue, things that no one could have predicted…I’m talking of course
about Scotland sitting pretty at the top of their ‘nations league group’, and also being in a qualifying final versus Serbia,
a nd being just one game away from reaching The Euro Finals.

Without being flippant in any way, we hope these facts above give us some joy in this dreadful time of Covid, a truly
devastating pandemic that has changed the world as we know it.

Who would ever have thought that Jock Stein’s
immortal words, ‘Football without the fans is nothing’,
would become an unfortunate reality in relation to
no fans being allowed in stadiums.

But don’t worry, the virtual tartan army is right behind
Steve Clarke and the boys in their quest for glory.
Next up is the important match versus Serbia and
we wish Steve and the team the best of luck in
leading us to our first major finals since 1998.

As always, thank you to all who have contributed
to this edition.

Stay safe

Iain Emerson, Editor

SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Kirin Cup Winners 2006
British International Championships
Outright wins 24 times – 1884, 1885, 1887, 1889, 1894, 1896, 1897, 1900, 1902, 1910, 1921, 1922, 1923,
1925, 1926, 1929, 1936, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1967, 1976, 1977.
Title shared with at least one other nation
17 times – 1886, 1890, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1912, 1927, 1931, 1935, 1939, 1953, 1956, 1960, 1964,
1970, 1972, 1974

TARTAN ARMY AWARDS

Winners: UEFA Fair Play Award, Euro 1992. Runners-up: (but should have won) UEFA Fair Play Award, Euro 1996
Winners: Fair Play Prize 2001. Awarded by Belgian Olympic Committee for sportmanlike conduct during qualifying
game versus Belgium (the first and only time the award has been presented to anyone outside Belgium).
Awarded: Scroll from Birmingham Council for Outstanding Conduct and Friendliness. Euro 1996.
Awarded: Engraved crystal football awarded to the Tartan Army and Scotland Manager Craig Brown by The Scottish Tourist
Board 1999. Since Scotland hasn’t qualified for any major finals since 1998, the Tartan Army hasn’t been able to scoop any
more awards, so we’ll give it one instead....
Awarded: Best Supporters in the World Ever, no messing, presented to the Tartan Army by The Famous Tartan Army Magazine 2019

03

STEP UP AND BE COUNTED -
A TIME OF RECKONING By Wilf Parkinson

These have been complex times as on, but if, and it’s a big if, Scotland can do a team effort and Steve Clarke has made
Autumn 2020 sees our national side it, we will be in the 2021 Euro Finals. Yes them hard to beat.
compete in two competitions relating you heard right… WE WILL BE IN THE Scotland are strong in some positions
to two separate seasons: the first, which 2021 EURO FINALS. with the likes of David Marshall in goals,
should now be history, the 2019/20 In the second competition currently Robertson, Tierney and Fraser playing
Nations League. This competition underway, in the Nations League regularly in the English Premiership and
serving as a qualifying route towards the 2020/21, Scotland have played four players such as McTominay and McGinn
cancelled European summer finals of games resulting in one draw, three wins becoming household names amongst
2020, which are are now re-scheduled and 10 points gained. Victories over the the Scottish Fans.
and due to be played 2021. Czech Republic home and away, and So to sum things up, Scotland are ninety
The section draw grouped Scotland with Slovenia at home as well as a draw with minutes away from qualifying for The
Israel and Albania, and whilst Scotland Israel (yes, them again) see Scotland sit Euros, and are also top of their nations
came top of their group, ironically they top of the section with two games to go. group. It is not often that we have been
then drew Israel in the play off stages. Goals have not been easy to come by. able print such positive facts and we now
Israel along with Bulgaria, Romania and Five goals: two from Dykes, two penalties go forward with a bit of optimism for the
Hungary also qualified under a complex from Ryan Christie and one from Ryan first time in a long time. We’re behind you
system of guidelines! Fraser, have been spread sparingly over Scotland, so lets make this happen!
In keeping with these difficult times, not four games with the loss of only two, have
all of Manager Steve Clarke’s potential now put Scotland in a strong position.
players were available for one reason Holding a four-point lead going into the
or another. However in the stuffiest of final two games, with a win over Slovenia
games at Hampden Scotland and Israel on the 15th November would then see
played out a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes, Scotland win the group.
which then gave way to a penalty shoot A total of nineteen players have made
out which Scotland won. a start during this series of games since
So next up, on 12 November 2020, the start of September, with a few more
Scotland play Serbia away in Serbia in the haven taken to the field to make their
final play off qualification match. There contribution to the cause, proving that it’s
will be no ‘Tartan Army’ cheering the lads

er04

STEVE CLARKE In his own words...

On coming from behind to beat a Versus Slovakia 1-0 On the recent clean sheets, and on
young Czech Republic side 2-1 ‘Lyndon has done well, I don’t think playing three at the back
“Everyone said that we had to go there anyone who has watched him play could “We have started to do that, we have
and win, so we did that,” say anything otherwise. He was part of a started to look more difficult to play
“It was always going to be a difficult very good team performance. against, which is great.
game; Czech Republic were going to ‘He will get the headlines because he “Two clean sheets in a row,”
play the game of their life. scored the goal, that’s what strikers do. “The players have to take the credit. The
“We obviously made it more difficult for But I thought my back three were terrific. players apply themselves properly. We
ourselves by conceding the first goal but ‘Defensively we were solid and I felt we have tweaked the system a little bit and
showed good character to get in front.” controlled it from start to finish. it has worked so far. That’s not to say it is
“It would have been a fairytale night for ‘I always felt comfortable, even when always going to work in the future but it
them - for us, we were always on a hiding Slovakia were probing, and we scored a has worked so far.
to nothing.” good goal to win the game.’ “That’s credit to the players, the fact that
“I wanted to have another look at the  ‘It was good for Lyndon to get the goal they can take in all the information they
system and I wanted to have another look but it was an all-round team effort. are given and they can make the system
at certain players playing in the system ‘It was a good move for the goal, a great work. With any group of players that you
and I managed to do that. ball in from Stephen O’Donnell and have, the longer you work together, the
Lyndon was there to finish. more they will start to show what you are
Describing the play off match ‘He was in the right place at the right trying to ask them to do.
versus Israel time but we also put in a terrific defensive “Also in international football, the more
‘It was a tight, tense nervous affair, which performance. caps you get, the more experience you
it was always going to be. The previous “Getting clean sheets is something we pick up, the more you learn how to win
game showed there wasn’t a lot between have been working hard on. matches.
the two teams. ‘You get criticised a lot and people talk
‘But I thought we had better control about stats. Describing the Scotland squad
defensively than we had in the last game ‘One shot on target in two games and we “It’s a relatively young-ish squad for
and we created the best chances in the have reached the play-off final and picked international football. It’s a good age,
game, although there weren’t very many. up another win. starting to pick up a lot of caps, and even
On preparing for a penalty shoot out with one or two changes around the
‘We had touched on it every day in training On preparing for last game versus Czech squad and the team at times, we seem to
after the last session, every player that trained republic so soon after beating Slovakia be progressing.
hit a penalty. Fortunately our goalkeeper ‘We had to add two or three players, “Nobody is getting carried away. We
had a lot of practise at saving them. which we put in motion as quickly as we probably did get a little bit down when
‘The standard of penalties in training was could, because it was going to be difficult we took those heavy defeats but we have
good but obviously there’s no correlation to ask the same starters to start all the bounced back from that and built good
between that and taking one in a really games. We had to shuffle it a bit. momentum.”
tense situation. But I was delighted to see ‘But we wanted to put ourselves in a “It’s not so much about the confidence, I
them all hit the back of the net. position at the end of this month that the think we were so solid defensively, it gives
two games next month could see us win you that platform to go forward.
Describing the determination of the that group as well.’
team to beat Israel (5-4 on Penalties) On being involved as a player the last
‘The nerve they showed was great. We’re Describing our forwards and goal time Scotland had gone on such an
talking about big personalities and big scoring opportunities V Czech republic unbeaten run back in 1987-88
characters. But I think they showed that “We have good attacking players, “I was actually involved in five out of the
during the game as well. although people will tell you we don’t eight games on that run.
‘There was a lot of pressure on them in and don’t get enough shots on target. “There are a couple of dodgy draws in
that game. It was always going to be But we get enough shots away and we there against Saudi and Malta.
tight and tense but the players showed get enough chances. “But for me it was a proud moment to
a terrific determination, desire and “Oli McBurnie came off the bench and make my debut in a 2-0 victory against
character to get a result for their country.’ was unlucky not to break his duck with a Hungary, a 2-0 victory in the next match
‘We spoke about putting a smile on header. I think it was a save, I think the against Belgium and then an away win in
everybody’sface.Itmightnothavebeenavery goalkeeper touched it. Lyndon had a Bulgaria which allowed the Republic of
pretty performance but it was a performance big chance before I took him off, which Ireland to qualify for the finals.
which showed a little bit of heart. wasn’t why I took him off, he looked tired, “It was nice to be involved in that run as a
‘There was a massive physical effort, he had put in a hard shift. player but it is nicer to be involved in this
especially by the lads who have played “So we had chances in the game, good run as the head coach.
120 minutes. deliveries on set-plays and we are starting “Hopefully we make it nine games
‘This is a group of players who want to be to look a threat on set-plays, getting a unbeaten because if we do that we will
successful and they show that on the pitch.’ few contacts.” be going to Euro 2020.

Looking forward to the final On the early expectations of his Photo:
versus Serbia management reign Colin Robinson Imaging
‘Serbia was always going to be a difficult “We suffered badly in the qualifiers,
game away from home - but we go heavy defeats against Belgium and
there with every confidence and looking Russia. It takes a little bit of time to build
to make a little piece of history for the confidence that you can get from clean
Scottish national team. sheets.

05

EURO’S

REVIEW

WITH CRAIG BROWN

Scotland are hoping to qualify for their exceptionally well. When you see the a goal,” the Scots came out of the traps
third European Championships at the success, subsequently, of these countries, and were 2-0 up within fifteen minutes
delayed Euro 2020 Finals next summer. we’ve got to give ourselves some credit thanks to long-range strikes from Paul
Craig Brown was in the dugout at the for that.” McStay and Brian McClair. The CIS came
previous two Finals, the first as Assistant The draw gave Scotland the most more into it in the second half, with
to Andy Roxburg h in 1992 and then daunting of scenarios as they were in Goram making two great saves from Igor
was the man at the helm for Euro ’96. Group B with defending Champions Korneev to preserve our position, before
He spoke to John Bleasdale to give his Holland, World Champions Germany the Scots sealed victory with six minutes
recollections over the events in Sweden and Euro ’88 runners-up CIS, formerly to play thanks to a penalty from Gary
and England. Soviet Union. It was the ultimate McAllister.
THE Seventies and Eighties were a “Group of Death” for the Scots, but Although they missed out on progression,
halcyon period for the Scotland National the management were not overawed Scotland came away with lots of plaudits
Team as the side qualified for five at the prospect. Brown said: “We were for their efforts in such a tough group,
consecutive World Cup Finals. Each side saying bring it on and nothing to lose and the Tartan Army also impressed
contained a fair number of top-level and, of course, it was a very demanding with their behaviour rewarded by UEFA
performers such as Billy Bremner, Kenny assignment. But it was to be enjoyed granting them the Fair Play Award. It was
Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Gordon and we weren’t in any way afraid of the a campaign that then Assistant Manager
Strachan, who all helped take the Tartan opposition. That was never, in my time, in Craig Brown has fond memories of. He
Army from West Germany to Italy via awe of opponents and certainly not, what said: “I remember the atmosphere in
Argentina, Spain and Mexico. I would say, mid-European countries.” Sweden was good, I remember we took
What doesn’t get mentioned, however, Scotland began their European the team bus to the fans, a lot of the fans
is that the same group of players didn’t Championship venture against the Dutch were staying in tents outside Gothenburg.
manage to reach a single European at the Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg, scene It was a very popular visit when the team
Championship in that period. To put things of Aberdeen’s famous European Cup bus went in there, and they all came
into perspective, the 1972 tournament Winners Cup triumph against Real Madrid out of their tents to meet the players,
only had four teams in the Finals after a in 1983. The Scots matched a very talented and that was an unusual environment in
qualifying campaign that began with 24 Dutch side containing the AC Milan trio which to find the Tartan Army. They’re
teams. Nowadays, the Finals themselves of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco very resourceful the Tartan Army guys
have 24 nations competing to win the big Van Basten, and created chances of their as you know, but the support was terrific
prize. The tournament had expanded to own, with Dave McPherson scuffing a in Sweden. The objective is to make the
eight teams for the 1980 Finals, but still shot wide and Richard Gough coming fans happy, and they deserve to be made
this talented group found it more difficult close with a header. However, with happy because of the expense they go to,
to qualify for the Euro’s than the World’s under nine minutes left, Holland found the resources they have to find to get to
greatest sporting event. a way to goal with the Milan players the European Championships, even just
That changed in November 1991 when combining to set up an emerging talent
Andy Roxburgh led Scotland to their first in Dennis Bergkamp to prod home past to get to away games. The respectCAonldiny
ever Euro’s Finals to be held in Sweden in Andy Goram. Going down to a late and I had for the fans is quiteRinocbreindsibolen.
the summer of 1992, the last eight team winner against the defending European So, to give them a good victoIrmy afgteinr ga
event before the tournament expanded Champions was a tough blow, but not to
to 16. Topping a group that contained worry, we only had the defending World couple of disappointments, and I don’t
Switzerland, Romania and Bulgaria, who Champions Germany next! think the performances were too bad, we
all went onto impress at the USA ’94 If Scotland were slightly hard done-by were playing a couple of good teams, to
World Cup, Roxburgh had achieved what in the opening game, they were very compete with them as well as we did was
his predecessors, including Jock Stein, unfortunate in Norrkoping. The Scots worthy of credit.”
couldn’t achieve by qualifying for the created a number of chances, but a well By the time the European Championship
European Championships. taken Karl-Heinze Riedle strike in the first qualifying for Euro ’96 came around,
Alongside him in the dugout was half, and a deflected Stefan Effenberg Brown was now in charge having
trusted Assistant Craig Brown, who cross off Maurice Malpas early in the succeeded Roxburgh following the
also in charge of the Under 21 side second half, ensured the Germans won unsuccessful USA ’94 qualifying
that reached the Semi Finals of their 2-0, a result that meant that Scotland campaign. Scotland were drawn with
Euro’s, famously coming from 3-1 down could not qualify for the Semi Finals. Russia, Greece, Finland, Faroe Islands
to beat Germany at Pittodrie in the Those two results meant that Scotland and San Marino, where the top side
Quarter Final. Summarising the senior were playing for pride in their final match would qualify automatically for the Finals
sides achievement in reaching their first against a CIS side still in the mix for a along with six out of eight runners-up,
European Championships, Brown said: Semi Final place following two draws with the other two going into a one-
“We did very well to qualify because against Germany and Holland. Urged on legged playoff.
only eight teams qualified, and I do by chants of “all we are saying is give us With the Finals being held South of the
remember that the team was responding Border in the land of the Auld Enemy, the
message from the SFA to Craig Brown
06 was simple – qualify! He said, “Jim Farry

told me “we can’t not be in England emotional guy, I’m not one who jumps which is why he was in, and I said to Jim
because it’s so close and we have to be about or goes into distress when we lose, and I’ve never seen a guy as upset, he was
there,” so he put the pressure on you, but the feeling of going to the European really shattered to be told. He said “well,
quite understandably, and he was right Championships in England was, probably, I need to tell my family” and I said “that’s
to do so. We had to get to England, we one of the best feelings I’ve had in football. alright, there’s my phone” and left him in
hadn’t the easiest group but we managed Great credit to the lads for the success my room to phone. We played the game,
to get there.” there and doing so well, very very well it was 0-0, and he says to me “Andy’s
Scotland got the campaign off to a defensively against, you have to say, Russia had a clean sheet, I’m not going to get
flying start with a well-earned 2-0 win in and Greece were good opponents and back in. Can I say something? I just want
Finland before a convincing 5-1 home Finland are quite tricky.” to thank you,” and I said “what do you
win against the Faroes and a 1-1 home Having secured qualification, Scotland’s want to thank me for?” He says “I want
draw with top seeds Russia gave them eyes were glued to the TV in anticipation to thank you for giving me warning that I
seven points out of the first three games. in January 1996 as the draw for Euro ’96. wasn’t playing because, if you’d just told
They then went down 1-0 in Greece There was only one opponent the Tartan me on the day of the game and then put
but then went through their remaining Army really wanted having sung “Que me on the bench and if, for some reason
six matches without conceding a goal, Sara Sara, we’re going to Wem-be-lee” if I had to go on, I wouldn’t be mentally
starting with a hard-fought goalless draw throughout the qualifiers, and their wish attuned to go on because I would’ve
in Moscow then winning their remaining was granted as the Scots were drawn in been so shattered and I hadn’t time to
five matches, which saw them qualify for Group A with the Auld Enemy, alongside come to terms with it. In addition to that,
the Finals as the fourth best runners-up. Holland and Switzerland. It was a tough my wife and family would’ve been here
The critical game which, ultimately, sealed group but there was optimism that we but, because I wasn’t playing, I could tell
the Scots qualification was the home could upset the odds and earn a Quarter them “don’t bother coming” and gave
win against Greece where Ally McCoist, Final berth. them good warning.” I learned from that
making his first dark blue appearance Ahead of the opener with the Dutch at Villa if you’re dropping an experienced player,
since his leg break against Portugal in April Park, Brown had a goalkeeping dilemma. and you know you’re going to leave him
1993, came off the bench to score with his Would he stick by Jim Leighton, who out, give him the maximum warning, give
first touch, a glancing header from a John played in the remaining seven qualifiers him time to come to terms with it.”
Collins cross. Recalling that group-defining and conceded just once through a penalty The decision was justified, along with a
moment, Brown said: “that turned the in Greece, or bring in Andy Goram, who change in formation from 3-5-2 to 4-3-
whole campaign in our favour. That home had, arguably, just come off the back 3, as Goram kept a clean sheet against
game, I brought him off the bench and of his best season at Rangers. Goram, a Dutch side containing talented players
they talk about an inspired substitution, or who was given the no.12 jersey, was the such as Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence
maybe a lucky one. man who got the nod in what Brown Seedorf and Edgar Davids. Goram made
describes as his toughest decision ever. some crucial saves in the 0-0 draw, but
He came off the bench and scored the He said: “We were training at Stratford arguably the best “save” was made by
winning goal, which is something you on the Saturday, England were playing in John Collins as his hand stopped a goal
dream about isn’t it? We needed to get the afternoon in their first game against bound effort on the line. Brown admitted:
goals, we knew we could defend and Switzerland and we were playing Holland “I think we were fortunate there, there’s
we defended exceptionally well in that on the Monday, and I called Jim Leighton no doubt about that, you win some and
tournament and the World Cup qualifiers, in to speak to him and I said “Jim, just to you lose some and I think we managed to
and McCoist is a scorer. The European let you know, I’m not starting you in the get the benefit of that one. We normally
Championships being in England it was a game, I’m playing Andy Goram”. Goram played 3-5-2, but with Holland you can’t
wonderful feeling (to qualify). I’m not an had had a very good season at Rangers, play three at the back because they have
two wingers, their house style is 3-4-3.

07

So, we had to change the shape against A goal glut followed in the second half, Nations League Section C playoff Final
Holland and, probably, that was astute. It but not at Villa Park. Our fiercest rivals in Serbia on 12 November. Should we
worked well for us, there’s no doubt.” went above the call of duty by going 4-0 overcome this hurdle, not only do we end
That draw couple with England’s laboured up at Wembley, which meant that we the barren 23 year wait, but Scotland will
performance in their tournament were going through on goal difference. be rewarded with two Euro 2020 games
opening 1-1 draw with the Swiss boosted As ever though with the National team, at host-venue Hampden against Czech
optimism ahead of the trip to Wembley there was a cruel twist of fate as Patrick Republic and Croatia, plus another trip to
five days later. At half time, the Tartan Kluivert nutmegged Seaman to give Wembley sandwiched in between.
Army were singing along to “Rockin’ Holland a consolation goal at Wembley, Can Steve Clarke be the man who
all over the World” knowing we were, but it turned out to be enough to send finally emulates Craig Brown in guiding
arguably, the better side as the game them into the Quarter Finals at our Scotland into a major Finals?
remained goalless. However, England expense. The latest chapter of “Glorious Speaking of our chances, Brown said:
started the second half brightly and were Failure” had been written. “Serbia are a good side, I’ve seen them
rewarded with an Alan Shearer goal ten Back in the day before smartphones, 4G on TV in the World Cup. I’m hoping
minutes into the second period. signal and WIFI, fans at Villa Park were desperately that we’ll qualify, but we’re
Scotland rallied, and had saw a Gordon listening to transistor radios to keep going to have to win in Serbia and that
Durie header well saved by David updated with events at Wembley. Brown is quite a task. My fingers are crossed
Seaman before the same player was didn’t rely on potential mixed messages for everyone to be fit. We’ve got great
upended by Tony Adams in the box for a from the fans to keep him in the loop so qualities about this time and we’ve got a
penalty with under 15 minutes remaining. he knew what was required, but that by great chance to qualify.”
Skipper Gary McAllister stepped up and the time his side realised they needed It would mean the World to Craig Brown
was expected to score, but his kick was another goal it was too late. He said: “the if Scotland could end, what will be, a wait
saved by Seaman. Two minutes later, Paul guy from the SFA we had on the staff, who of a quarter of a century since we last
Gascoigne scored THAT goal and the was one of the main admin guys, David graced the European Championships,
game was over. When asked if McAllister, Findlay. He was the main man in terms of and 23 years since the men’s last major
normally an accomplished penalty taker working with the National team and he Finals appearance. He has fond memories
renowned for placing his spot kicks was advising us of the score. He would of being an integral part of our previous
towards a corner, felt pressure and that’s send me a message saying “England are Euro’s appearances as both Assistant
why he opted for power, Brown said: “he this, England are that” so we knew but it and Manager of the National team, and
said he felt certain that he would score was getting late into the game, it’s quite it would be a major boost for the game
and felt assured. He normally placed hard to change. My objective was to win in our country if the current crop could
them and I don’t know what happened, the game and then any additional goals create new memories by qualifying for
they talked about the movement of the we get then it’s a bonus. the delayed Euro 2020.
ball but he didn’t use that as an excuse. Had I known earlier that we had to go
He hit the ball hard and well and it was a for it then we would’ve just had to go
good save. You win some you lose some for it, and I felt we did have a very brave
and, unfortunately, it cost us.” attempt towards the end, although we
Defeat meant that Scotland, without a didn’t go gung-ho. You’ve got to take
goal thus far in the tournament, required the percentage chance of scoring, or
a 3-0 win or better against Switzerland adding to your lead, but you can’t afford
back at Villa Park and for any kind of to lose one so it’s quite a tricky situation.
victory for the Auld Enemy against the It does help if you know what your target
Dutch. For the first time in Tartan Army is, and we did know eventually but,
history, we were all WANTING England unfortunately, it was too late.”
to win! Craig Brown brought Ally McCoist Five European Championships have
into the starting line-up in place of passed since the Scots were last at the
John Spencer in a bid to get the goals Finals. Add that to five World Cups since
required if Scotland were to achieve the our last appearance in 1998 and it’s over
impossible. After missing two glorious two decades of misery for the National
opportunities early on, McCoist then hit team, where the Tartan Army could only
a screamer of a shot from just outside enjoy watching those Finals as neutrals,
the box to give the Scots the lead on or supporting whoever played England!
36 minutes. With England also 1-0 up However, there is still hope that the
against Holland, there was still a glimmer famine can come to an end by way of the
of hope going into the second half.

08

MY TIME AS MEGAN,
A SCOTLAND AGED 8

TEAM MASCOT
MY NAME IS MEGAN AND ON FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER
2019 I WAS CHOSEN TO WALK OUT WITH THE SCOTLAND
NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM.

When I arrived at Hampden with my mum and
Gran and uncle John, I was given a special
bag with a snack and more importantly a full
SCOTLAND KIT to wear. I was super happy and
excited.

My family were told to go away to their seats
and I was taken to the teams locker room and
all the boys and girls were put in height order
to see which order we were to walk out in. I was
2nd shortest so that mean I would be walking
out with David Marshall the Scotland Goal
Keeper.
After that we were told to go back into our
order to meet the team. I was very exited to
meet everyone, but I was most exited to meet
David Marshall.

Whilst we were there we met lots of people,
I got to meet Andy Robertson who is the
Scotland team captain, the team manager and I
got to say hi to the Russia team.

We were allowed onto the pitch to watch the
team do their warm up and I got to see my
family who were watching in the crowd. I got
photos taken with Rory and Bonnie the Team
Mascots. We got a full kids picture taken too
and it was good meeting new people.

When I walked out I was a little nervous but
super excited. David held my hand and asked
if I was ok as it was super loud with everyone
cheering. I then stood and sang the national
anthem, Flower of Scotland. I was caught on
TV singing and I got loads of messages and
pictures sent to me showing me on TV.

The game was great to watch even though we
didn’t win. The whole night made me feel proud
and happy.

Photo by Allan Sneddon By Megan Leggate, Age 8

09

MFAICNRSOWPIHTOHNES

IN OUR LATEST FEATURE ON THE MEN AND WOMEN BEHIND THE MICS, WE CATCH
UP WITH THE VOICE OF BT SPORTS AND PREMIER SPORTS, RORY HAMILTON.

My first Scotland game was a bit later game in the San Siro but couldn’t quite Liechtenstein for the game and then
than I had thought. I’d seen bits of manage to sort it out - you know how after the game we stayed in Austria.
Italia ’90 but I was only six and didn’t Uni days are with funds! We eventually The next day, we were on the flight or
really appreciate what it meant at the managed to get to Lithuania. At this train to Munich for a night out and then
time, and it was Euro ’92 when we were stage, it was just me and my mate flew to Valencia for another night out
playing Holland and Germany when I Pete that went away He was in my flat then went from Valencia to Alicante.
first started to get excited. However, at Uni and we went down to Gatwick, So that was a pretty long-winded trip.
my first game wasn’t until 1996 when or Stansted. We had an overnight in It was snowing in Liechtenstein then
we played Sweden at Ibrox when the airport, as low cost as we possibly it was flip-flops weather in Alicante,
John McGinlay scored. I’d played with could, met up with another couple which I hadn’t prepared for and had
Clyde Centre Boys Club and we all of boys there, sleeping on chairs and lots of Woolly jumpers and kilt socks!
went along as a group, we were quite stuff and got a game of poker, then There was about eight to ten of us at
a successful Boys team. It was a good we flew into Riga. Pete and I were one stage who travelled before kids
start to get a 1-0 win. Leighton was in quite naïve at this stage. We  had no and marriage. For the Holland game,
goals that day and he had an absolute sleep whatsoever, had a bit of lunch, which we lost 3-0, I think there was
blinder I remember them battering us went for a few beers and then got on about ten of us out on that, and then
and John McGinlay got the one chance the bus to go down to Vilnius. In the it’s cut down and we’ve gathered a few
at the other end. queue for the bus, we met up with four more along the way. For the potential
I’d always been a football fan, but boys from Inverness, who we still go to playoff final (against Serbia or Norway),
didn’t regular start going to matches games with now and it made for a fairly where we’d be going via Vienna, there
until after school. It wasn’t until after riotous, long bus journey from Riga to were five or six of us going to go on
the 2002 World Cup, where I’d been Vilnius (took about four hours). Pete that trip, of which myself and Pete were
in Guyana then came back to Uni, and and I thought we’d get some sleep on the first to start going, and others have
I was in a flat where everyone was a the bus, but there was absolutely no
football fan. There’s a couple of Raith chance, we weren’t allowed to go to
Rovers fans who were probably bigger sleep until this boy Scott, one of the
into the National team, so we ended up ringleaders of the group, got to sleep
going to games then. We had a big day himself! He passed out and missed this
out at the 1-1 game against Germany in stop at an ostrich farm that he’d been
’03 when Kenny Miller equalised, that going on about the whole way. We
was one of the main games I remember stocked up on beers and he slept all
from that. the way to Vilnius.
From then until now, I was probably ]journey to an away game, there are
at most home games, and it was ’06 two that stick out. There was the
when I went to my first away game in Liechtenstein/Spain double header
Lithuania, when Dailly and Miller scored (October 2011) when my mates were
for us and we won 2-1. I had tried to go already out and I was at work on the
to the Holland playoff game, which I’m Friday. I flew out the next day and was in
quite glad we didn’t, and the Italy ’05 five countries in the one day! Glasgow
to Luton, Luton to Geneva, Geneva to
10

added whilst others have gone down a couple of friends who, conveniently, me much about going to travel to.
the family route. It’s like any other sort owned a vineyard in Montenegro so I’m sure there are exciting things to
of holiday, brushes with lost passports, we spent some time with them before do there and there are great people
missing buses and trying to find lost flying home. to meet, it’s not somewhere that I’ve
individuals. The one guy, who we’ll Albania would be in my top three travelled through on holidays and
call the 12th man, who always tries to away trips, and I think just because things and not somewhere that excites
find the long way around to try and everywhere is so well travelled me that much. Let’s not be picky,
save him a bit of money. I remember in nowadays and games are so often in Scotland anywhere in, ideally, a World
Oslo (2009) he had borrowed a couple big cities that it takes out the exotic Cup would be great.
of hundred quid from me, at a time I side of travelling. You can jump on For home games, depending on what
didn’t have much money at all, we got a Ryanair flight to anywhere. I think day of the week it is, the same group
there on the Monday, the game was on getting to Albania kind of felt like what of lads who would go away plus a
the Wednesday and we were leaving I can imagine it was like for the guys in few more being available, we’ve
on the Friday. Five days in Oslo will the early nineties and going to Eastern more recently been meeting up in the
drain your life savings! The 12th man block countries to support Scotland. Southside like the Rumshack or Ally
had managed to find a flight that was That’s what I really liked about Albania, Arms before games then afterwards it’s
£20 cheaper, but it went back on the it was really friendly, transport not usually heading back to the same areas
Monday, and he thought he was onto a always the easiest you’ve got to barter and wait for the traffic to die down a
winner but little did he realise that he’d with taxi drivers and arrange pickup little bit. There haven’t been many big
have to spend another three days in times the next morning when neither nights out afterwards lately - must be
the most expensive city in Europe, so of you can speak the same language getting old -, there used to be going
a lot of these stories surround his travel and stuff like that. I really enjoyed that into Sports bars in the earlier days,
plans and how he makes a complete trip, it was a good one. I’d put Croatia mainly the France and Italy group (Euro
mess of it. We always joke that he (2013) in there as well, we had a great 2008), and there were some late nights
should launch “12th Man Travels”, for trip out there and, for a change, got in there. My favourite home games
those that choose the unpredictable a result as well the Robert Snodgrass were France 1-0, Holland 1-0 and one
and chaotic way to travel. Even still, he 1-0, that was a cracking trip. We went that always sticks out in my memory
rarely books with us and we marvel at into Dubrovnik, spent some time in was the Ukraine game when we loved
the ridiculous nature of his plans. Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar and then up 3-1. I LOVED that game! I was always
His brother’s come on one trip, he can to the game in Zagreb so that was a so confident that we’d win that game,
be the 13th man, and we were in Riga cool one. Norway we loved, the game we won 3-1 and that felt like a special
for the recent Lithuania trip (2017). The was a disaster and Gary Caldwell got game. The England game, where
day before I joined after a holiday in sent off, was about as bad as you can Griffiths scored the two free kicks, was
Norway, he’d had a night out in Riga get but we had a lot of good fun in also special, no matter how it turned
by himself and he couldn’t find his Oslo so I think they would probably out, I’d put that in there.
hostel so fell asleep in a market, which be the three best ones that I’ve been If offered the chance, would I rather
of course opened at about five in the on. All of them have been good, I like commentate at a Scotland game or
morning, and the guy who’s market stall the ones that are more far-flung and remain in the stands as a fan? It’s a
he’d slept on was less than pleased and you need to be a little more creative tricky one! It would be such an honour
sent him on his way and, right out the to get there. I get less excited about to commentate on it, it would be very
front of the market he goes “oh hang going to Wembley or Dublin or Cardiff, difficult to turn that down, particularly
on, there’s my hostel, brilliant!.” So, he although they’ve been good trips, if it was in Glasgow. I wonder if it was
strolls across into his hostel, goes in I prefer something further afield. somewhere more exotic, and I’d want
and that’s it. The next thing he knows is My bucket list starts with seeing to be with my mates and experience
that he’s woken up by these ridiculous Scotland at a major championship, it with them, that might be different.
screams and he comes to thinking what that’s the answer that probably every To be the one that gets to be the
on earth is going on? Scotland fan would give! There are voice of Scotland’s games at a major
There’s these two French girls running plenty of stadiums around the world tournament, I think that might be a bit
around the room, and at this stage he’s that I would want to go to, the likelihood difficult to turn down. You can always go
realised that he’s booked himself into a of Scotland playing in them is pretty and meet with folk afterwards. Though
mixed dorm and these two French girls slim, mainly South American grounds. after taking a shift for the Liechtenstein
are just absolutely beside themselves The Maracana and The Bombonera are shift with Sky to do stats, I always said
screaming as much noise as they can two I would desperately want to go to, that, if I can, always try and keep the
and he works out, quite quickly, that the Buenos Aries derby would be very games for being a fan because, when
the reason for this is him and that he’s special. Scotland-wise, it’s just got to you work in the industry, it’s easy to
got in, just lay on his bunk completely see them at a major tournament, and disassociate yourself from what you
naked! At this stage the owner of the it’d be sods law that it’ll be the one in were, which was a fan, if you end up
hostel comes in and the 13th man is Qatar. It’s not somewhere that excites working on it all the time it becomes
kicked out unceremoniously, and he your work so the Scotland games for
looks up just trying to pack his stuff, me have always been a way to just
put his kilt on and it’s just too much remind myself of why you love the
of a stumble and a blur, he can’t really game and what got you into it in the
do it and this English lad on the top first place.
bunk is just in fits of laughter and is so Rory was speaking to John Bleasdale
delighted that that’s not him right now!
I like to travel and sample as much as I 11
can with surrounding areas and things
so the Albania one was a great trip, I
absolutely loved that one. We flew to
Rome, then got the train down to Bari
and we met up with the bunch of Italian
boys we met in the Italy ’07 game when
Luca Toni got a double. We then got
the ferry to Albania, a taxi to Tirana
then onto Shkoder for the game, then
after the game onto Montenegro and
spent a couple of days there just visiting

LEANNE CRICHTON FEATURE

As the men keep searching for the formula that will end a 22 year wait for
an appearance at a major finals, the women’s team are doing the nation
proud after reaching the Finals of Euro 2017 and World Cup 2019. One of
the key squad members was Leanne Crichton, who spoke to John Bleasdale
to talk about her experience with the National team.

One of the most recognisable a few years later. Because we had Photo by Colin Robinson Imaging
personalities in the Women’s game each other to play with, it suited my
is midfielder Leanne Crichton. older brother because I was good sub appearance, it never felt like
In addition to helping club side at football so we practiced all the you could ever be a mainstay in the
Glasgow City dominate the time, any spare minute we had we team. I don’t think I had that vision
domestic game, where they’ve were always out with a football, my back then that I would’ve went “oh
won 13 consecutive League titles, dad played Junior football so there wow, I’ve made my debut” like this
Leanne has 69 Scotland caps to her was a wee bit influence at the very is the beginning of something, it was
name and co-hosts Sportscene’s beginning. Not to say that was the almost like you’re on autopilot back
Friday night live coverage of main driving force behind it, it was then, going through the motions
Championship matches with Steven more just it worked and it suited us and nothing really materialised after
Thompson, showing she has the as kids to be out playing and we had that. I wasn’t really in the squad for
talent to enjoy a successful media opportunities to do that. Anything another three or four years, part of
career in addition to her on the that I work out that I’m alright at, or that down to work commitments
pitch achievements. I can invest time in, I give it 100% and not being able to get time off
and that was, kind of, where it all work to go and take unpaid leave,
Her journey into football began began.” which was disappointing. I look
in humbling surroundings with back on it now, you see a lot of
kickabouts with her brothers and Leanne made her Scotland debut in players coming through that are
friends. She said: “Growing up in 2009, coming on as a late substitute trying to get into the National team
the East End of Glasgow, I think to replace Suzanne Grant in a 2-1
most kids played. It was always win over Russia. For most, making
visible, everybody was always out in your bow at International level
the street. I played football with my should be an occasion to treasure,
brothers, I was at my Gran’s often but Leanne admits that she didn’t
because, where she stayed, we went fully appreciate that moment. She
to school right to there, and she had said: “It was a bit of a whirlwind! I
the old school tenements with the just remember it being a daunting
back greens and washing poles up. experience back then because
We always had space to get out and there were so many senior players,
play and practice. I realised, early a more intimidating environment,
on, that I was actually quite good so you know that you never really
at it so it worked out I could play felt part of the team. You knew
with my older brother first of all, that you were a young player that
my younger brother came along was just, possibly, going to get a

12

just now and some of them are and weren’t allowed to enter a was always a voice and I think, for
20, 21, 22, 23 and they’ve still not qualification campaign for eight us as players and young women,
really had that opportunity. Maybe years due to being ranked in “Class seeing a woman like Anna she was
I took it for granted, but I know the B” of European Qualification. never scared to stand up for what
mindset wasn’t quite there to view she believed in. She had brilliant
it as a real opportunity to go on and The formation of the Women’s life experiences behind her that,
be a mainstay in the team.” Premier League in 2002 was when she came to Scotland, she
the start of the evolution of the knew exactly what she needed to
It was another four years before she Women’s game in Scotland, and do. If you had asked her would it
got her next cap in a friendly defeat Signeul slowly began to build up take 12 years to get there, probably
to USA. Having those extra four the reputation of the National team. not in the beginning, but she’s
years’ experience, and establishing The team were getting closer to a always fought against adversity in
herself in the Glasgow City side major tournament, losing in a playoff that sense and I learned so much
during her second spell, set Leanne for the World Cup 2015 Finals to from her in terms of her coaching
in good stead for the International Holland was further evidence that and how she speaks to people and
scene and gradually got more the breakthrough wasn’t far away. supports people, but I just think her
exposure in a Scotland jersey. Later It wasn’t just results that were overall philosophy and her drive to
that year, she got the first of her improving, but the overall standards be better was her lasting legacy in
three goals for her country, the set for her players had dramatically Scotland.”
opener in a 3-2 win in Iceland. This increased, as Leanne explains. She
was a moment that Leanne had no said: “She was incredible. As a With the foundations laid, Scotland
problem in recalling! coach, people could have different set about ensuring that they got
opinions on her in terms of what the monkey off their back in order
“I remember that,” she said, they learned and took from her. to qualify for their first finals. The
“because I’d gone to Glasgow City To look at where I was, and where breakthrough finally came in the
at the beginning of 2012 and had a Scottish Women’s Football was in qualification campaign for Euro
good season. We went on and won 2005 when she came in to when 2017 as the Scots won seven out of
the treble, I was a mainstay within she left, you had people training eight matches, finishing runners-up
that Glasgow City team, and I maybe once a week when she came behind Iceland, but secured a Finals
remember there being conversations in. People were going to the pub berth in Holland as one of the six
between Eddie Wolecki Black, who on a Sunday after a game, people best second placed teams.
was our manager at the time, and weren’t living their lives as athletes,
Anna Signeul the National team the fitness levels were shocking In the Finals, Scotland were given
coach, and she was speaking about when you look at the testing’s that a tough draw with ties against
bringing me back into the mix. She we do now and how we compare England, Portugal and Spain to look
knew in the past with work and the yourself against other nations. So forward to. Going into the last game
way life was it wasn’t always easy, over that journey with Anna, it was Scotland needed a minor miracle to
and you were taking unpaid leave a 12 year that she not only had to progress to the Quarter Finals. They
to go and do these things, so she coach and make a team better, she had to win by two clear goals against
had asked if I was included in the had to change the mindset of a Spain and hope that England could
squad would I be able to be there. nation, and that’s exactly what she defeat Portugal at the same time.
By that point, I was loving football done. The structures she helped put Scotland managed a victory, but a
and I could see it as a pathway, in place like the academy structures,
and it felt real so I jumped at the the youth teams and developing Anna
opportunity to get back in the mix. that for younger age groups all the Signeul >
Back then, you had eight Glasgow way through and implementing
City players, five Hibs players then a structure that’s supported the 13
you had two or three at Arsenal or National team players both at home
wherever else so there was more of and away, whether they’re exile
a club feel about it, and it was more players playing outwith the country
of an easy environment to go back or the players based here, changing
into. I don’t score that often so that the mindset of club teams to want
one in particular sticks in my mind. more and demand more.
I made some sort of burst into the
box, which again is unusual, I totally Anna was the driving force behind
mishit it right enough and ended up a lot of that, if not all of it, and she
putting it near post instead of far
post but, anyway, they all count!”

The woman who gave Leanne
her opportunity to represent her
country was long serving manager
Anna Signeul. Before the Swede
arrived in 2005, the Women’s
National Team hadn’t come close to
qualifying for a major tournament,

1-0 win was not enough and were that we didn’t manage to get our over the years but, if you say you’ve
out on goal difference, meaning noses over the line.” got one chance to qualify, 50,000
the Women had now pencilled in people will be there in a heartbeat.
their chapter in the ever growing Anna Signeul stepped down at the For us in the women’s side, it
“Glorious Failure” novel. end of the tournament after a 12- doesn’t matter how much success
year reign where she transformed we have, I feel as though we have
Leanne was one guilty of passing up the National Team from no-hopers to keep proving ourselves over
a great chance that would’ve been into a side capable of qualifying for and over again. To have the nation
enough to send us through, and still a major tournament. almost invest in us, we need to keep
haunts her to this day. She said: “To proving that we will win, whereas
be honest, I missed a chance that Shelley Kerr picked up the reigns I think the guys get it a bit easier
night which, if I was to do 100 times and was tasked with taking Scotland in the sense that the whole nation
over I wouldn’t miss. Caroline Weir to the World Cup Finals in France. backs them regardless. For us, that
puts in a brilliant ball into the back Like the Euro 2017 qualifiers, the was the first sense that the nation
post, and I got caught when I think a Scots won seven out of eight games were truly behind us, and I don’t
couple of players are going to get a in their qualification campaign, with mean that disrespectfully to football
nick on it, so I’m trying to anticipate both them and group favourites fans across our nation, but for us,
the flick on, and the delivery from Switzerland winning one game each as women, we’ve never had that
Caroline couldn’t have been any in the head-to-head. Fortunately, exposure and never had that level
better, and somehow I managed to the Swiss drew their final game in of fans at a home venue. I think,
put it over the bar from a yard to Poland whilst Scotland won 2-1 in for us, that was our statement that,
two yards out. It’s a moment that Albania, which meant the Scotland once that amount of people had
I’ll never forget, you do look at it Women’s side had qualified for their come to our game, we knew what
and go “what if” or “if only.” We first ever World Cup, consigning the expectation was and how much
should’ve got the result that night, Switzerland to a playoff (which they the mindset of a nation had changed
we should’ve went through but, lost to Holland). going into that tournament where
ultimately, we shouldn’t have lost As a result of their success, the people had invested in us and
as heavily to England as we did, Scottish Government provided believed in us, and they wanted to
and I think the Portugal game was funding to allow the Women to train be part of that journey, so the wider
a bigger nail in our coffin because full time ahead of the Finals. Interest picture spoke more than just the
that was a game that we felt we in the side had reached levels it had game that day.”
should’ve won. When you look at the never done before, with the peak
games going into the tournament, being an impressive 18,555 fans At the Finals, Scotland were given
you look at what you can take from attending the final warm up game a tough group with England, the
these games and Portugal was one against Jamaica at Hampden. For 2015 World Cup runners-up Japan,
we thought we’d be able to take many, this level of coverage for the and Argentina, the strongest of
maximum points so that was a Women’s game was long overdue, the pot four sides. Like Euro 2017,
setback, then, typically, you go in as as Leanne explains. “I think the team the Scots began their campaign
Scotland to pull a rabbit out of a hat deserved that. We’d waited long against England and, despite a slow
and beat Spain 2-0. But we did have enough. If you look at the men’s start when they went 2-0 down at
that opportunity and it’s just a pity team, they’ve not been successful half time, it was a much-improved
performance and they were not
14 disgraced in their 2-1 defeat. It was
a similar tale against Japan, going
2-0 down at half time before a
second half rally brought them back
into the game but, ultimately, going
down 2-1. Although they received
plaudits for their spirit against two of
the World’s best sides, the defeats
left Scotland pointless going into
the final game.

For Leanne, the defeats were
particularly difficult to take as she
remained on the bench for both
matches. However, she was recalled
to the starting line-up for the final
game against Argentina in the Parc
des Princes, the scene of James
McFadden’s iconic goal 12 years
earlier. Now the Women’s team had
their chance to write themselves
into Scottish Footballing folklore by
getting the win they needed to give

themselves a chance of reaching the There was a game where, had more the side to qualify, and for 32-year
Second Round as one of the four goals been scored, it would’ve put old Leanne Crichton it could be her
best runners-up. us out regardless of what the score final swansong at International level,
would’ve been, and one of them though she’s not giving up hope
The permutations were not straight was a team that had conceded lots of making the 2023 World Cup in
forward! With two groups still to be of goals. Once the game started to Brazil. She said: “It’s probably more
concluded the following evening, unfold, when we scored two then challenging being a female athlete
even a thumping win was not a we scored three, we got caught still because there’s more to consider in
guarantee that the Scots would chasing goals. Then when Argentina terms of if you’re looking to have a
go through. The feeling was that got a goal back, I can remember family then I don’t know how long
Scotland would need to win by at the game as feeling like “oh no, we you can keep going, or find a pit
least three goals to give themselves need to score again, so we’ll need stop somewhere in the middle to
an opportunity of progression. It to get that three-goal lead back!” do that. We’ll see how it goes, it’ll
was looking good after 70 minutes I don’t think we had looked at the be interesting to see the timeframes
as goals from Kim Little, Jennifer goal difference enough to actually once this gets up and running. You
Beattie and Erin Cuthbert put understand what was enough, so just want to stay as fit and healthy
Scotland 3-0 up, and Scotland I just think we all got caught up in as you possibly can, nothing can
were in a position where they the game, and the way Argentina you take for granted in football, as
could do something that their male managed to get themselves back a National team we’ve experienced
counterparts have tried and failed into the game, the refereeing that with the amount of injuries
to achieve for so many years. performance speaks for itself, VAR going into tournaments, the players
obviously is another thing and it just that missed out, you can be fit right
Then disaster struck! Argentina slipped away from us. The amount up to the day before and still miss
pulled two goals back within a five- of criticism we got for that was fine, out so I don’t take anything for
minute period, and suddenly the I think it’s only natural, it showed us granted. As long as I’m playing and
Scots were panicking. that there were more people invested I’m happy and I’m still keeping up
in the game than we actually thought with the rest regardless of my age
On the 85th minute, a challenge by because the only reason we got the then I’m sure I’ll know when it’s time
Sophie Howard on Aldana Cometti backlash was because people were to draw a line under it.”
resulted in a penalty after a four- disappointed. As players, we’ll never
minute VAR review. It looked as forget that, that’s what we need to PODCAST
though Lee Alexander dug the live with, that’s our lasting memory
Scots out of a hole by saving the just now of a major tournament, and Leanne Crichton also co-hosts
penalty, but another lengthy VAR will we ever get that close again to the “Behind The Goals”
review controversially deemed getting through the group? It was Podcast with current Scotland
her to have moved off her line, a sucker-punch, and it was horrible, captain Rachel Corsie.
resulting in a booking. Argentina it took a long time once we came
equalised with the resultant spot home to get our heads around what You can listen to the podcast
kick on 94 minutes and, even more had happened and to digest the via the following link on
controversially, the referee ended game, the performance and what Soundcloud
the game around 20 seconds later had went on. I don’t think any of us
despite the increased delays. will really get over it, because it was https://soundcloud.com/
such a glorious failure, I don’t think user-794562149
It all meant that Scotland had gone you can get over it. The only thing
out. To rub salt into the wound, you can do is, if you’re presented
it transpired that even a 3-2 win with an opportunity to be at a World
would’ve been enough to send the Cup again, is if you try and learn from
Scots through as both Cameroon your mistakes and you improve and
and Chile, who played New Zealand do better, but that still won’t take
and Thailand respectively, only away from the fact that, in 2019, you
mustered narrow victories. were winning 3-0 and you drew 3-3.”
For fans watching, the reaction was
of anger for two reasons. One that Scotland have, so far, began to
they felt the team were cheated recover from that cruel set back
out of victory by a referee who with a great start to Euro 2021
lost control. The other was that qualification. Thumping wins over
the women had blown a golden Cyprus and Albania have given the
opportunity by letting a three-goal Scots a 100% record so far as they
lead slip inside the last 16 minutes. bid to reach a third consecutive
Leanne shares those sentiments: finals. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus
“The difficulty lies with the fact that, pandemic has pushed back the
the following day, there was games remainder of the qualifiers until later
that still had to play that would this year, with the finals delayed until
determine who went through. the summer of 2022. With the Finals
in England, it’s an extra incentive for

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