Scotland’s long-serving head coach Steve Clarke has resigned in the wake of his side’s FIFA World Cup exit.
After just over seven years at the helm, the Scottish Football Association announced Clarke’s departure in the moments after Croatia sealed the Scots’ fate with their win over Ghana.
Clarke has overseen the most successful period in Scottish football history since he took on the job in 2019, and had only last month signed a four-year contract extension.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
In their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opening match, but succumbed 1-0 to Morocco and were thrashed 3-0 by Brazil to finish third in Group C.
Eight of the 12 third-placed finishers in their groups will progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup but, with one win, two losses, and a poor goal difference, Scotland is not one of them.
“The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now,” Clarke said in a statement.
Clarke led Scotland to the European Championships in 2020 and 2024 before their qualification for the current World Cup, but ultimately won just one game across all three major tournaments.
But Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said it’s important to remember the significant contribution Clarke has made.
“While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Maxwell said.
“From starting as a pot-four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.”
