Ferguson was one of Vogts' senior players with Scotland

"I'm the captain of a country without a manager and the only word that sums up how I feel is guilty," Ferguson told The Sun newspaper.

"I knew in my heart of hearts that it was partly down to me.

"I let Berti down, simple as that. I was his skipper, we didn't get the results he needed and he lost his job."

The Blackburn midfielder added: "It has left me riddled with guilt. That's how I feel and all the players will feel the same."

Vogts blamed the abuse he received from a small minority of fans for his decision to quit - and he revealed that he had been spat at by fans after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Moldova.

There has to be a reality check on what was expected of Berti Scotland captain Barry Ferguson

"We didn't get a result but for someone to spit on you is a sick joke," said Ferguson.

"Berti gave Scotland everything he had, the guy could not have given more effort to our cause than he did.

"There has to be a reality check on what was expected of Berti. I view this as a very hard job.

"We as players know it was tough on the manager in a results-driven business.

"I sensed walking off the pitch in Moldova after that 1-1 draw that it was over for him."

Meanwhile, former Germany manager Franz Beckenbauer sympathised with his former team-mate's plight.

"I think it's a very tough and difficult job for a German manager to be the manager of the Scottish national team," Beckenbauer told BBC Radio Five Live.

"There's a language problem and one with the mentality.

"The results weren't too good but I think he was missing the talent like they had 20 or 30 years ago.

"If you are criticised heavily like he was then maybe it's time to say goodbye."