SCOTT was rescued from the dole by Alan Ball in December 1999 and was Ball's last acquisition before he was shown the door by
Milan Mandaric. Unfortunately this chain of events led to a downturn in Scott's fortunes, Tony Pulis, Balls successor did not rate him and he was destined for the transfer market after only 4 first team games.
Pompey avoided relegation again that season and it seemed that the success of Tony Pulis would lead to the demise of Scott's Pompey career. Scott was placed on the transfer
list despite some solid displays in the reserves. Things were going bad for Pompey and TP as the blues slumped to defeat after defeat in the league. Soon it seemed very likely that there would soon be a new manager
at Fratton Park. Milan gave Pulis a target of six points from the three games, West Brom at home, Burnley away and Stockport away. Pulis was unable to deliver 6 points and brought home just 2. This failure led to TP being given a 4 month sabbatical to enable him to concentrate on an impending court case he had after being dismissed at
Gillingham. Super Stevie Claridge was given the "caretaker" managers position which was quite a surprise for many Pompey fans (us included). Claridge got rid
of Pulis's back room staff and employed Guy Whittingham as his assistant manager and Bob McNab, who had been sacked by Pulis, was re-employed as reserve team coach. Claridge instantly transformed the team and a win
in his first game in charge against former premiership side Sheffield Wednesday boosted the confidence of the Pompey Fans. Hiley's fortunes also improved as he slotted back into the first team at right back in place of
the less "well equipped" David Waterman. He was an instant success and brought stability to what was arguably Pompeys weakest position. Since then Scott has
been in the side every game and Pompey were unbeaten under Claridge's reign for 11 games. Scott looks a different player under Claridge and is beginning to get the respect of more and more of the Pompey faithful.We
know he will never be accepted by some because of him playing for that amateur outfit that play 20 or so miles down the road. We prefer to think that Scott was on the dole between August 1998 and December 1999.
During that time he moved to Nepal and found his true self through meditation on the foothills of the Himalayas. A stunt double fulfilled any contractual obligations with D*ve J*nes Scum team during that time.
For Scott's Stats Click here A more comprehensive History of The Rock Will appear here soon. |
