Time right for Robinson to deliver on big SRU gamble

By alex martin

Published:

THE Scottish Rugby Union has taken a significant and expensive gamble by appointing Andy Robinson as head coach, now is the time to deliver.

The former England international was found wanting when he took charge of his nation's team and was unable to repeat the success of Clive Woodward. But he found a new home in Edinburgh and has impressed.

The SRU has given Robinson all he wants and the coach has rung the changes. Former coach Frank Hadden brought respectability to the national team after the shambles of Matt Williams's ill-fated spell in charge, but was unable to move the team on to the next level.

Starting with Fiji today, it will be fascinating to see if Robinson has got the right blend.

ANOTHER Scottish institute with an uncertain future is Rangers Football Club.

Debts of £30million mean the fire sale is on. The potential escape route to the English Premier League has finally and rightly closed.

Quite what Rangers and Celtic thought they would bring to the Premier League is still beyond me. For the likes of former Scotland manager Craig Brown to suggest they would be top four teams within a couple of years is ridiculous.

The actions of supporters of either side of the Old Firm, both in Romania and Falkirk, show exactly why English club chairmen would have been quick to give the idea a swerve.

For all these clubs have worked to improve their image, there is still a seething, underlying cancer riddled through Rangers and Celtic. Always has been. And I fear always will be.

THE path to redemption can begin for the national football team in Wales this afternoon. The significant problem is this is the second of only three preparation matches before the qualifying campaign for the European championship begins.

Not enough time and not enough matches. Do you still think the national team matters?