Steve Clark resigns as Scotland manage after exit from the World Cup | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

Steve Clark has resigned as Scotland manager following his team’s exit from their first World Cup tournament for 28 years.

Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday evening confirmed their elimination from the tournament as one of the worst performing third-placed sides at the tournament, winning once and losing twice with just one goal.

Scotland opened their campaign in Group C with a 1-0 win over Haiti, which at the time was worthy of mass celebration yet came back to haunt them with defeats against Morocco and Brazil leaving them on -3 goal difference.

His resignation comes seven years on from his arrival on the 20th of May 2019, replacing predecessor Alex McLeish and delivering Scotland’s first major tournament in 23 years by qualifying for Euro 2020.

The 62-year-old led his country to three major tournaments, with a second European Championship appearance in 2024, making him Scotland’s most successful national coach.

In an open letter to supporters, Clarke said: “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 honour to be called their Gaffer.

“Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive 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.

Their captain John McGinn gave Scotland fans a moment they will remember for some time against Haiti, but his goal would come to mean much less in the context of a disappointing campaign for the Tartan Army.

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