Scotland manager Bertie Vogts has announced his resiignation from the Scotland job ending weeks of speculation.

The beleaguered German formally handed in his resignation today and he leaves his post by mutual consent.

Vogts blamed his departure on the treatment he received from a “minority” of Scottish supporters.

He said: “The major factor in this decision has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered.”

“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 on my home life.

“I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be involved in the abuse that I have had to endure.”

“From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart,” added Vogts, who was appointed to replace Craig Brown in 2002.

“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.”

Vogts also blamed the media for turning fans against him.

“What these actions have proved is the unacceptable power of the tabloid press to influence its readership,” he said.

“The opinions expressed mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a great effect on some of the fans.

“In public life the media are in a position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified.”

Walter Smith , the former Everton and Rangers boss is the favourite to replace Vogts, although Gordon Strachan is also in the frame.

Since their Euro 2004 play-off defeat to Holland, Scotland have taken just two points from their opening three World Cup qualifiers and look unlikely to qualify for Germany 2006.

However, it is the public criticism of Vogts from Scottish supporters which may welll have persuaded the Scottish Foootball Association to accept his resignation.