Tosh blames Wadsworth for Gretna's slide

Published on Thursday 5 June 2008 23:21

STEVE Tosh has hit out at the selection policy and tactics of former Gretna director of football Mick Wadsworth.

Wadsworth was in the role when Tosh – now at Scottish Cup runners-up Queen of the South – was dumped by the Borderers in January 2007 with 18 months of his contract remaining. The midfielder believes Wadsworth contributed to Gretna's poor results by favouring untried English youngsters ahead of established Scottish players.

Relegated Gretna went into administration in March and resigned from the Scottish Football League this week.

Tosh said: "I don't think Mick Wadsworth gave Scottish football the respect it deserved. He decided to get rid of players who were quite capable of playing at SPL level and replace them with young kids from England.

"He was doing all the hiring and firing. Mick coached at a high level but a lot of us felt there was disrespect towards Scottish players, teams and the leagues. Mick discovered that older and senior players wouldn't be manipulated and we would stand up for our beliefs.

"It became a strained relationship between him and players like myself, James Grady, Alan Main, David Bingham and Derek Townsley.

"When Mick came the club changed. The team that reached the Scottish Cup Final and played Hearts off the park for long spells with good football changed into a long ball team.

"The mood and the vibe changed when Mick arrived and it wasn't for the better – but you can't put the full blame on him."

Tosh also believes owner Brooks Mileson should not be held entirely responsible for Gretna's demise.

He added: "I'm devastated about what has happened to Gretna and really disappointed for Brooks because people are sticking the knife in him when he's down.

"He did a lot for Scottish football and made small clubs who were in the doldrums wake up."