Our beginning in this group was disastrous but, although we gave ourselves a glimmer of hope, unfortunately it's not happened. The main aim for us [when Smith was appointed] was to restore pride and look forward to the European Championship qualifiers. That was the long-term plan and I think we're still on track.

Unfortunately, nothing happened. Mladic was not arrested, although he is within the reach of the authorities in Belgrade.

It is not against Byron. Unfortunately we should have done it a lot earlier, and it hasn't happened that way. We just happen to play Coach Scott [tonight].

[Elimination should not detract from the progress made since Walter Smith took up the reins at the turn of the year though, inevitably and for all the players' protestations, this was an unnerving plummet from raised expectations.] Our beginning in this group was disastrous but, although we gave ourselves a glimmer of hope, unfortunately it's not happened, ... The main aim for us [when Smith was appointed] was to restore pride and look forward to the European Championship qualifiers. That was the long-term plan and I think we're still on track.

The outlook for the group remains strong although the retail market is expected to remain highly competitive as consumer spending continues to be tighter this year,

It can be very disastrous if it's not treated.