Yes Sir, I Can Resign

Steve Clarke has left his job as Scotland manager after a dismal World Cup showing from his team.

Leading his nation for a record 81 games, Clarke oversaw a transformation of the national team, largely thanks to key players like John McGinn and Scott McTominay.

Clarke had been in charge of Scotland for seven years and led the Tartan Army to three major tournaments. However, his side’s fate was ultimately sealed by Ghana’s loss to Croatia, prompting the 62-year-old to announce his resignation just an hour later.

The former West Brom manager had only signed a new four-year contract last month after Scotland qualified for their first World Cup since 1998. But defeats to Brazil and Morocco meant a narrow win over Haiti wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

While Clarke led Scotland in nine games across major tournaments, the victory against Haiti was his only win. His side lost six of those matches, finishing with a total goal difference of -12 (four scored, 16 conceded).

In a lengthy statement, 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.”

The favorite for the vacant role is Everton manager David Moyes, who previously played for the Scottish Under-18s. Also linked is former Tottenham and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, who is currently out of work after a disappointing stint with Nottingham Forest. The 60-year-old has international pedigree after leading Australia for four years, and his previous spell with Celtic means he knows the Scottish game inside out—making him, arguably, a strong fit for the role.

Next up for Scotland is the Nations League in September, but for now, the Tartan Army's party on the biggest stage is over.