Smith Gambles in Graz but Keeps a Promise World Cup World Cup Why Take Such a Risk in Austria with Substitutions? Ahead of Italy at Hampden, Michael Grant Looks at the Lessons

Summary

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WHAT a pity that Walter Smith never promised he would successfully lead Scotland to the World Cup finals in Germany. If he had done, supporters could press ahead with booking their flights and accommodation, because events in Austria in midweek demonstrated that he is a manager who can be relied upon to keep his word.

In Berti Vogts's opening match as manager, Rab Douglas missed the birth of his first child in order to be with Scotland for a friendly in Paris, where he had been promised his international debut. Whether it was down to a communication breakdown or Vogts changing his mind - as we know, in those days anything was possible - Douglas was not selected and therefore missed a precious family milestone for no reason. For the SFA there was the embarrassment of Douglas confronting Vogts about it in full view of the media as the team prepared to fly home.

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Extract

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Smith Gambles in Graz but Keeps a Promise World Cup World Cup Why Take Such a Risk in Austria with Substitutions? Ahead of Italy at Hampden, Michael Grant Looks at the Lessons

There is no such cloudiness and careless man-management from Smith. When he told fringe members of the squad in Austria that they would play a part in his fourth game in charge, they did. All the outfiel...

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