GLASGOW (AFP) - Scotland manager Berti Vogts has resigned because of "disgraceful abuse" including being spat upon, he said in a Scottish Football Association statement.
Vogts, who led his native Germany to victory in Euro 1996, has faced mounting criticism following a string of poor results which has left Scotland in need of a miracle if they are to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Former Rangers manager Walter Smith is the favourite to replace the German, who also won the 1974 World Cup as a player with West Germany and was assistant coach when West Germany won the 1990 World Cup, while former international midfielder Gordon Strachan has also been spoken about.
Vogts though was not shy in expressing his disgust at the treatment he had received during his tenure as manager.
"With great reluctance, myself and the Scottish Football Association, and in particular John McBeth and David Taylor, who have been a source of great strength and support, have made a joint decision to close this chapter in my life at the helm of Scottish international football," said Vogts in a statement.
"From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart as I have enjoyed my tenure at the hub of the Scottish football team and the warmth that I have experienced from the people of Scotland.
"I must say that the major factor in this decision has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered, especially of late.
"It has degenerated into a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where I have been spat upon.
"This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised society and I know that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my disgust at this act by a very tiny minority.
"The abuse is something that people in public life must get used to, but now it is having a serious effect upon my home life. I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be involved in the abuse that I have to endure.
"And it is this that has made this very hard decision inevitable."
While Vogts had kind words for his players especially captain Barry Ferguson, he also had stinging criticism for the Scottish press.
"The opinions expressed mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a great effect on some of the fans," said Vogts, who steered the Scots to a Euro 2004 play-off spot where they were massacred by the Dutch but only two points from their opening three 2006 World Cup qualifiers meant there was little option but for him to go.
"I know that the opinions that have been expressed by a section of the press are not those of the majority of the Scottish people.
"The press have only expressed personal opinions, but it is impossible to have any right of reply in reality.
"In public life the media are in a position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified."
11/01/2004 - 17:48 GMT - AFP