The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has initiated the process of finding a new head coach for the national team following the departure of Steve Clarke. SFA chief executive Stewart Maxwell indicated that "nothing's off the table" as the search for a successor begins immediately.
Clarke's tenure concluded after the team's performance in a recent competition did not meet expectations. Maxwell acknowledged the disappointment, stating, "We wanted to perform well, we wanted to do what no Scotland team's ever done before in a group stage. We weren't able to achieve that." He also noted the impact of "hysterical commentary" from back home, which he felt had not been helpful.
Despite the recent outcome, Maxwell emphasized pride in the team's journey and the unwavering support from the fans. "We need to be proud of the journey that got us here. We need to be incredibly proud of our supporters. They've travelled in tens of thousands. They have lit up America," he said.
A contract extension for Clarke was announced in late May, intended to provide stability. "We wanted to come into the competition in as stable a footing as possible. Extending his contract did that. It eliminated any talk about what was going to happen afterwards," Maxwell explained.
Maxwell lauded Clarke's significant achievements over his seven-year tenure, stating that if such a period had been predicted at the time of his appointment, "everybody would've bitten your hand off for it." He expressed a desire to protect Clarke's reputation and legacy, highlighting the "significant achievements that he's done."
The emotional meeting where Clarke informed the players of his decision underscored the strong bond between the coach and the squad. "The meeting last night where he told the players, the emotion in that tells you how much they think of him and how much he thinks of them and we can't lose sight of that," Maxwell added.