12 Feb 2009SPL bosses back Burley's fixture fight

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Scotland boss George Burley has received the support of several Scottish Premier League managers in his attempts to delay the start of next season, it was revealed yesterday (February 11th).

Burley was left dismayed after the opening fixture of the 2009-10 campaign was pencilled in for August 8th, just four days ahead of his side's vital World Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo.

However, a number of top-flight bosses have taken the opportunity to voice their concerns, backing Burley in his quest to allow the national team to prepare fully for the clash.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood said: "You've got to help the Scottish national team as much as possible."

Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle's newly-appointed Terry Butcher - who is Scotland's assistant manager - have also lent their support to the former Ipswich boss.

However, Old Firm supremos Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith have remained tight-lipped on the issue, presumably due to their desire to get match practice ahead of their expected Champions League qualifiers.

Scotland currently sit second in Group Nine with four points.

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