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Steve Clarke has resigned as manager of Scotland -Credit:Justin Setterfield, Getty Images
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has resigned following the team's World Cup elimination.
The Tartan Army's exit was confirmed after Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana meant they were unable to progress to the knockout stages for the first time. John McGinn etched his name in the history books with his goal, securing a first World Cup win in 36 years as Scotland overcame Haiti to place themselves in a strong position for the Round of 32.
However, defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with the 3-0 loss to Carlo Ancelotti's side proving catastrophic to their chances due to irreparable damage to their goal difference. Following their Wednesday defeat, the Scots required favorable results from other groups across the tournament, as their minus-three goal difference saw them drop down the standings and qualify for the last-32 through the back door as one of the top third-placed sides.
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The confirmation of Clarke's exit arrives a month after the former Newcastle and Chelsea assistant agreed to a four-year deal ahead of the tournament. The 62-year-old stated: "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. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honor to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."
Pressure had been building on Clarke despite the memorable qualifying triumph over Denmark at Hampden Park that secured Scotland's World Cup spot. He witnessed his players face boos during their tournament preparations, including a defeat to the Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Scotland manager also drew criticism for his abrupt post-match reaction after the loss to Brazil, in which a brace from Vinicius Jr. effectively ended the nation's knockout aspirations. Clarke departed the post-game interview after two early mistakes handed the record World Cup champions a decisive edge in the crucial fixture.
As Scotland's World Cup hopes hung by a thread following their 3-0 loss, bookmakers launched markets on potential successors for the 62-year-old. Names in contention included Everton's David Moyes, former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand, Barry Ferguson, and Tartan Army youth coach Scott Gemmill. Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell praised Clarke for restoring the nation's faith in the national team throughout his seven-year tenure.
Under his leadership, Scotland returned to major tournaments, qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany and the current World Cup across America, Canada, and Mexico. Maxwell said: "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.
"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 traveled 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."
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