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Diego Maradona was given a hero's welcome on his arrival in Scotland this weekend. The Scots revere him as the man who produced the 'Hand of God' in the 1986 World Cup - and so beat the English.

In honour of Maradona

The Today programme (in a spirit of mischievous inquiry, of course) wondered if the Scots end up feting people like Maradona because they are short of a few heroes of their own.

After all, the Scots have been plastering shortbread tins with pictures of Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and Bonnie Prince Charlie for some time now - and the nation may need a new figurehead.

So given the low threshold-requirement for heroes (as long as they've humiliated the English, they'll do), the Today programme has come up with a few ideas.

The Demon was Australia's first real fast bowler

He pioneered fast, aggressive bowling and was believed to be the player who introduced eye-to-eye contact as a means of scaring the batsman.

His place in history comes from his part in the Australian victory against England at the Oval in 1882.

Over the two innings of the 1882 Oval test, Spofforth took 14 wickets for just 90 runs, helping Australia to win the match by just seven runs, and leading the Times to write a satirical obituary to English cricket - thus beginning the Ashes series.

Amundsen's successful expedition was overshadowed by Scott's death

Polar explorer Roald Amundsen was the first man to reach the South Pole, arriving with four others just 35 days ahead of the Captain Scott's doomed expedition.

Amundsen was also the first person to navigate the treacherous Northern Passage, and is believed to be the first person to visit both north and south poles.

Joan was wounded in the neck while fighting for France

A farm girl who saw religious visions, Joan inspired the French army to several important victories against the English, culminating in the coronation of King Charles VII.

Also known as the Maid of Orleans, the 19-year-old was captured by the English, tried by an ecclesiastical court and burned at the stake.

The decision was later reviewed, she was found innocent - and eventually beatified.

She has been used since her death as a symbol of France, the heroine of much art and literature and one of the most popular saints in the Catholic church.

Campese was voted player of the tournament at the 1991 World Cup

One of the greats of Australian rugby union, David "Campo" Campese was instrumental in the Australian victory over England in the 1991 Rugby World Cup at Twickenham.

A vociferous critic of the English style of play, Campese did nothing for his popularity in England when his apparent knock-on in the World Cup final went un-noticed, preventing one of England's best scoring opportunities.

"It doesn't matter how you win as long as you win," he later said.

Harold may have defeated Harald, but his victory was short lived

Harald Sigurdsson, the last Viking king of Norway, is widely credited with causing the defeat of the English King Harold at the battle of Hastings in 1066.

Believing he was the rightful heir to the English throne, Harald III made an alliance with Tostig, an expelled English earl, and invaded England with 15,000 men in 300 Viking longships.

King Harold rushed to fight the invaders, defeating them and killing Harald III at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, only to have to march south to meet the Norman army of William the Conqueror.

His tired forces were defeated and William took the throne of England.

All of the below deserve a honourable mention at least:

Ronaldhinio, World Cup quarter final 2002 Gareth Southgate, Euro 96 Semi Final Chris Waddle, World Cup semi final 1990
Peter, Glasgow, Scotland

If it's sport what about Sir Alex Ferguson, Hoy,Hendry,Murray and Montgomerie? The latter of whom is one of our most successful Ryder cup players ever who ironically wasn't picked for this year's doomed attempt by, oh.....one of England's most arrogant sporting products ever!
Stephen, Swindon

Mel Gibson - he seems to be on a one man mission to demonise the English at every opportunity. Braveheart, The Patriot..

Graeme, London

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