Steve Clarke quits as Scotland supervisor after World Cup exit with emotional letter to followers

Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager after the Tartan Army were eliminated from the World Cup in the group stages and he wrote an emotional letter to fans you can read in full here

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Steve Clarke has sensationally quit as Scotland manager following their World Cup elimination.

The Tartan Army’s departure was sealed after Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana ensured they couldn’t reach the knockout rounds for the first time. John McGinn etched his name in the history books with his strike, securing a first triumph at the competition in 36 years as Scotland overcame Haiti, but they only managed a single goal against the minnows and it proved disastrous.

That’s because predictable losses to Morocco and Brazil, including a 3-0 hammering by Carlo Ancelotti’s side, proved decisive due to the irreversible damage to their goal difference. Scotland then desperately needed help from groups throughout the competition as their minus three goal difference saw them tumble down the table to qualify for the last-32 through the back door as the leading third-placed side.

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Clarke has quit just a month after the former Chelsea and Newcastle United assistant manager and ex-Liverpool first team coach penned a four-year contract prior to the tournament. Pressure had been building on the 62-year-old despite securing World Cup qualification on a memorable evening at Hampden Park when they overcame Denmark.

He witnessed his team face hostile reception during their build-up to the landmark tournament, notably in the loss to Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up fixture at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, reports the Mirror. And being eliminated so early from the tournament in North America, when smaller nations with less talented squads have progressed, has sealed his fate.

The Scotland manager also faced criticism for his curt post-match response following their loss to Brazil as a Vinicius Jr brace virtually extinguished any knockout ambitions. Clarke marched out of the interview after two early blunders handed the record World Cup winners control in the crucial must-not-lose encounter, with the head coach reluctant to consider what lay ahead.

In a letter to fans, Clarke said: “When I was first approached by the Scottish FA about the position of head coach, I was advised by many people to leave well alone as the job had become a poisoned chalice. In my head I was just the wee boy from Saltcoats who had done well in his chosen profession and my country wanted me to be their leader, at least in a football sense. I couldn’t find a reason to turn the approach down. My job remit was simple: qualify for a major tournament.

“As I reflect on my seven years in the job, my overriding emotion is pride, closely followed by satisfaction. To the the first coach since Craig Brown, in 1998, to lead the country to the finals of a major tournament was the stuff of dreams. That night in Belgrade – with no supporters in the stadium due to Covid – was an experience of pure, raw emotion from start to finish. It gave the nation some welcome cheer from the restrictions of the pandemic.

“Although the tournament was, for us at least, a bit of a damp squib, there was an unforgettable night at Wembley when we more than matched the eventual beaten finalists England and held them to a 0-0 win! The biggest disappointment of that tournament was the absence of the Tartan Army in their tens of thousands.

“Roll on three years and we did it again, this time overseas in a great footballing country, Germany. With no Covid restrictions this time the Tartan Army made sure they were there in even greater numbers than ever before – after all, it was a 26-year wait for the older members of the battalion. Again we came up short in the matches but a marker had been set and a new generation of Scotland supporters took my squad to their hearts. Qualify – and they will come in their thousands.

“While emotions are raw following our elimination, I genuinely believe that if we continue to qualify regularly for these tournaments we will inevitably break the glass ceiling of reaching the knockout phase. Winning our group from a position as third seeds is a truly remarkable achievement from a remarkable bunch of players that I have been lucky enough to lead. The campaign was difficult against quality opposition but time and time again we found a way to get the required points culminating in the most incredibly Scotland game ever seen at Hampden Park in a 4-2 win versus Denmark.

“In time I will be able to reflect on a tumultuous seven years but one element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans. From my opening game against Cyprus in front a half-empty Hampden Park – and a largely apathetic crowd – to the frenzy of such unforgettable matches as out 2-0 defeat to Spain and that memorable night against Denmark.

“There were magical occasions; night that will endure in Scottish football folklore. This reconnection was never more evident than during the past few weeks. From Miami to Boston and New Jersey our fans won the hearts and minds of the American public and football fans across the world. Let us not forget that the players won a World Cup finals match for only the fifth time in Scottish football history, and the first in 36 years. The team were responsible for giving everyone the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime and I am proud to have played a part in that.

“As I conclude my reflection on a wonderful seven years I really need to thank my ever-changing coaching staff who have all helped me immensely: Alex Dyer, Steven Reid and Stevie Woods initially; followed by John Carver, Steven Naismith and Chris Woods as the key men by my side. Austin MacPhee and James Morrison joined us to help the push to Euro 2024, then Alan Irvine, who brought great experience to out group, and Andrew Hughes joined the team to help clinch our World Cup 2026 qualification. All good coaches but even better people.

“The auxiliary staff [too many to mention but they know who they are] who did the match analysis, medical, sports science, kit, logistics and media. When I started the Head of Performance, Graeme Jones, was my go-to with any problem or issue and we worked well together in implementing our off-field progress with facilities and structure. When Graeme departed for pastures new, Mark Leslie stepped-up seamlessly to continue that push for higher standards off the pitch, reflected in our preparation for World Cup 2026.

“Thank you to both my administrative support staff for looking after me so attentively: firstly Frank Reilly who, after a long wait, represented his country when we qualified for Euro 2020 before retiring a happy man. Ashley Phillip replaced Frank and continued to support me on top of her other duties with the Scottish FA. Thank you to my two Presidents, the sadly departed Rod Petrie, and Mike Mulraney both of whom supported me in their own particular way. Two good men with the best interests of Scottish football at heart.

“Thanks also to Chief Executive Ian Maxwell for putting his head on the chopping block and making me his first head coach appointment and to the board who always listened to me when I made my requests for help in trying to improve facilities and matter concerning the team and players.

“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. From our captain Andy Roebrtson with 97 caps to those at the start of their journey with the national team, almost every player that has been called upon in my time as head coach has turned up and given everything for their country, hence a period of sustained improvement for our national team.

“I quite quickly realised that continuity and familiarity would help these players to bond with each other and my staff, leading them to understand what is needed to be more successful at international level. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be call their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor. Bye-Bye, Scotland! Steve Clarke!”

The favourites to replace Clarke include Everton’s David Moyes, ex-Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand, Barry Ferguson and Tartan Army youth boss Scott Gemmill.

Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA’s chief executive, lauded Clarke. He 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 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.”