Burley stays on as Scotland boss

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said that George Burley had the "full backing" of the organisation as it was confirmed he will remain as Scotland manager on Tuesday.

Burley had been fighting to keep his job after failing to lead the country to the play-offs for next summer's World Cup, but it appears he has convinced his SFA bosses to give him a second chance following talks with SFA president George Peat on Monday, along with vice-presidents Campbell Ogilvie and Alan McRae.

Smith said: "We want to invest our faith going forward in the manager and players. George continues in his role with the full backing of the SFA."

He added: "It was always our intention to have a review of the campaign, regardless of the outcome. We had a full and frank discussion with George Burley.

"We feel there is a lot of positive factors about aspects of the campaign despite the fact we didn't qualify."

The SFA released a written statement from Smith following his comments outside the main door at Hampden, which called for unity as Scotland prepare for their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

"George has been rebuilding his squad and brought through many young players who he feels will bring us success in the years to come," Smith added.

"The next competitive match is not for another 12 months and this gives George and the players the chance to grow and develop together. This is not the time for change, it is a time to invest faith in the manager and the players.

"If the World Cup campaign has shown us anything it is that we are at our best when we work together.

"It is by standing united behind the manager and the team that we can achieve the success that we all crave."