Duncan Ferguson has expressed his willingness to hold talks with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) about succeeding Steve Clarke as Scotland manager. Clarke resigned following Scotland's exit from the 2026 World Cup, which was confirmed after Ghana's victory over Croatia on Saturday. The tournament marked Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998, but defeats to Morocco and Brazil, despite a 1-0 win over Haiti, left them outside the top-eight places in the third-place table.
Ferguson's Interest and Comments on Clarke's Resignation
Ferguson, who has had two interim spells at Everton and managed Forest Green and Inverness, stated he would be open to a conversation with the SFA. "I would certainly have that conversation, no question about that," he said when asked about his interest in the role. He also emphasised his preference for a Scottish manager, saying, "I would like the Scottish manager to be Scottish... So I want a Scottish guy leading the Scottish team."
Appearing on ITV on Sunday, Ferguson was critical of Clarke's decision to resign. "I was in a bit of shock when I saw Steve resign," he said. "I thought he'd done a fantastic job for the country... I think he's jumped the gun, he's resigned too quickly. He signed his four-year contract... Why have you just signed a four-year deal and walked out? I don't get that part."
David Moyes Among Favourites
Everton manager David Moyes is among the bookmakers' favourites to replace Clarke. Ferguson acknowledged Moyes as a potential candidate but noted that he is currently in a job. When asked by Roy Keane on the Stick to Football podcast who could take over, Ferguson replied, "I've got no idea. The only one I can think about is David Moyes, but he's in a job."
SFA Chief Executive's Search for Successor
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has vowed to cast the net wide in his search for Clarke's successor. "The process for that starts now," Maxwell said. "Football is a very small world... We are a really attractive job for the right manager... We have a Euros that we are hosting in 2028 to look forward to... It is really difficult to put dates on it, we obviously have (Nations League) games coming up in September. There is a four-game window at the end of that month. It will be soon as we can but as long as we get the right coach."
Clarke's Legacy and Departure
Steve Clarke was the first men's head coach to lead Scotland to three major finals, having signed a new four-year contract before the World Cup. However, criticism over the team's performances led to his resignation. Ferguson expressed surprise at the timing, suggesting Clarke should have taken time to reflect before making a decision. "Scotland weren't gonna win the World Cup, so what's changed from three weeks ago?" Ferguson questioned.
