Touching tribute by Ash as he heads off
beating England are engrained in our minds.
“It doesn’t matter how good England think they are the Scots always have that touch of gallusness about us whenever we face England.
“I watched a documentary about Scotland v England recently and Baxter was recounting how he scored two goals at Wembley against the great English goalkeeper Gordon Banks in 1963.
“Scotland won the game 2-1. However, Baxter admitted that if the score had been 3-1 he would have ran up to the Scotland end and scored an own goal as he was desperate to get a hat-trick at Wembley.
“Baxter was pure gallus and it is exactly that kind of attitude Scotland need for this match if we are to get a positive result.
“I am sure Strachan will have some sort of game plan for England.
“We missed real opportunities at Wembley when we lost 3-0 in the first game against England back in November.
“Strachan will want to keep things tight for as long as possible and to give Scotland every chance of getting a result.
“A victory would be absolutely brilliant as it has been far too long since Scotland graced a major finals.
“I was lucky enough to play in back-to-back major finals – the Euros in 1996 and the World Cup in France in 1998.
“We took it for granted back then Scotland would always qualify for major tournaments.
“But 20 years seems like an eternity for Scotland not to have appeared at a finals. A win against England would give us all hope and belief again. “It would breathe real life into our 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. “Scotland are the underdogs for this England clash but that is when we are at our most dangerous. “The Scots always relish the chance to put one over on the English. “There is no bigger international match than a Scotland v England clash. “These are the games where legends are made. “On June 10 it is up to a member of Strachan’s Scotland team to write their name into the national team’s history books. There are few better feelings in football than seeing Scotland beat England.” ASH TAYLOR said an emotional goodbye to Aberdeen yesterday as he confirmed he played his last game for the club in the Scottish Cup Final.
The 26-year-old took to social media to release a statement thanking fans, team-mates and manager Derek McInnes for the three years he spent at Pittodrie.
Ryan Jack, Niall McGinn and Peter Pawlett have left the club and Jonny Hayes is a wanted man – now Taylor has become the latest to join the post-Hampden exodus.
He said: “After three years it is time to say goodbye to Aberdeen. I am sad to leave an amazing club, great city and a changing room like no other but I am excited to take on a new challenge and see what the future holds for my career and my family.
“Firstly, thank you to the fans. I’ve experienced highs and lows while being at this club but you are true supporters and stand by us as a team even on a bad day.
“Your outstanding support through the season and especially at Hampden will be something I never forget. Thank you AFC for giving me the opportunity to be part of a fantastic club, the dedication and support for your team and fans is incredible.
“I would like to wish the team all the best for the future. It’s been an absolute pleasure playing alongside every one of you and I have never met a better group of lads on and off the pitch.
“Lastly, thank you to Derek, Tony (Docherty) and the rest of the coaching staff.
“I have learnt so much while playing at AFC and would not be the player I am without your constant help, guidance and support.
“Aberdeen will always hold a special place in my heart and I’ll always look back fondly on the memories made here.
“From European games to welcoming our beautiful daughter in to the world last October, I will remember every moment. Thank you.”
Taylor signed off with the slogan: #OnceADonAlwaysADon. 2004: The former Porto boss Jose Mourinho is appointed manager of Chelsea on a threeyear contract.