Wotte: Scotland can be force on global stage again

MARK Wotte, SFA performance director, has spoken of his belief that, despite the dismal decline in recent years, Scotland has the potential to be a force in international football again.

Writing in his SFA blog, Wotte says he shares the frustrations of Scotland fans after losses to Wales and Serbia in the past week left Scotland at the bottom of Group A in the World Cup qualifiers, with no hope of reaching the finals in Brazil.

However, says Wotte: “We have two options: we wallow in self-pity, or we address the reasons behind that decline. We have to change our philosophy and our approach to elite talent identification and development.

“The reality is that in the time since Scotland opened France 98 against Brazil, many nations across the continent have evolved at a rate superior to our own, physically and technically.

“The recent successes of Germany, Spain, Holland and now Belgium have happened by design. Through the SFA’s performance programme, we aim to execute our own plan to create a more prosperous future for the game; with more skilful and dynamic footballers.

“It will take time but crucially, the process is under way. Twelve years ago, Belgium did likewise and now have a generation of top-class players excelling in the top leagues in the world.”

The 52-year-old Dutchman – a former Feyenoord player and Southampton manager – was named as the first performance director of the SFA in June 2011. He added: “Our objective is to make Scotland a force in international football again. It needs the help and co-operation of our clubs, and thankfully we have an excellent relationship with senior academies, who receive £2m per year from the SFA.

“Recently, we also provided a mid-term report for our seven regional performance schools, where 120 of the country’s most talented players enjoy a football education as part of the curriculum. More time dedicated to individual skills development will only make you a better player.

“The first-year intake are 12 years old. In eight years, they should be established players at their clubs and the best should form part of the national team.

“At national youth level, we are committed to playing more games against higher-ranked opposition. For example, this year each age group will play between 12 and 15 international matches, as opposed to between six and eight in previous years.

“Already, we have seen the likes of Lewis Macleod, Ryan Fraser and Islam Feruz develop, while our under-17s and under-19s have reached the elite rounds of the qualifying campaigns.

“We need to ensure that the best young players are given an opportunity to play in the SPL and that we add to their experience and development by providing international exposure.

“The Scotland supporters have shown remarkable dedication, as was proven with their help in making last night’s match playable. With a little patience, I am confident they will once again bring their unique presence to major tournaments. In the meantime, through the SFA’s performance strategy and with Gordon’s own philosophy for the national team, we will plan for success, not just hope for it.”