Scotland manager Steve Clarke has stepped down from his position after failing to advance them past the group stage in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
The team wasted no time making the announcement, posting on social media less than 30 minutes after it was finalized that the Scots would not be among the top eight third-place teams to advance to the round of 32.
Clarke, a native of Saltcoats, Scotland, had led the team since 2019 and signed a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup in May. His 36 wins as Scotland’s manager are the most by any coach in the country’s history.
“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 farewell letter to Scotland’s Tartan Army fanbase. “They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Scotland (1-2-0, 3 points) won their Group C opener against Haiti on June 13 1-0 — the country’s first World Cup win since 1990 — but followed with a 1-0 loss to Morocco and a 3-0 loss to Brazil which left the squad with a minus-three goal differential which proved too much overcome thanks to a few upsets elsewhere in the final round of group-play matches.
“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,” Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said in a statement.
“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.
“Finally, on behalf of the board of the Scottish FA, I would like to make special mention to our incredible supporters. The many thousands who have travelled to the United States to celebrate the return to a World Cup — making a significant financial commitment to do so — have once again shown themselves to be exceptional ambassadors for our country and our national game.”
Scotland has never reached the knockout stage of the World Cup in nine appearances.
–Field Level Media
