Burley, Boyd and bickering

On Saturday I found myself at Hampden for Scotland's qualifier with Norway, which produced the most unbelievable miss, amongst other disappointment.

While this should really be a Dons blog, I've been extremely disappointed with some of the coverage given to Scotland after the game, particularly in view of the Kris Boyd saga.

Firstly, almost all the comments I've seen have been entirely pro-Boyd, anti-Burley. A number of people have called for Burley to get sacked. After three competitive games, of which we have lost one. Yes, Scotland never started in the first half (similar to Macedonia), McFadden was isolated etc etc, but I can't fathom why a support who gave so much time to Berti Vogts' mediocrity seem intent on disposing of Burley (who was the best manager in the country a few seasons ago) after a few games. Had Iwelumo put the ball in the net, he might have been hailed as a genius.

Next, Kris Boyd. The media have built him into some sort of talisman...but I can't honestly remember when he last scored for Scotland. His scoring record is undoubtedly excellent for both club and country, but I don't think Burley should be criticised for picking the form players. After all, Iwelumo has an excellent record this season, whereas Boyd has been used sporadically by Rangers - and Daniel Cousin was preferred against Celtic, despite wanting to leave the club.

Either way, it's unfortunate that Boyd has walked out. Despite an utterly horrific performance at Pittodrie earlier in the season, he's no doubt an excellent player, and he knows where the goal is. However, he has made his choice, and when Burley goes, which will hopefully be later rather than sooner, he should not automatically think he can walk back into the squad.

Incidentally, I wonder if the reaction would have been a player had criticised Walter Smith and walked out. Somewhat different I would imagine.

Anyway, back to club duty this weekend, and the Dandies have a tricky trip to Falkirk. We have a good record against the Bairns, but we had a good one against Hamilton and ICT until this season as well. A defeat will leave us rooted to the bottom, which will increase the pressure on Jimmy Calderwood (who must have been delighted with a week's respite). We should have a full squad, so there is no excuse for not turning in a performance.