First Minister John Swinney has said he is “sorry” to see Steve Clarke step down as Scotland head coach after the national team’s exit from the World Cup. Clarke’s resignation came shortly after Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday, which confirmed Scotland’s elimination from the tournament.
World Cup exit ends Clarke's tenure
Scotland won their opening match but suffered two defeats and a goal difference of minus three, failing to secure a place in the last 32. Clarke led Scotland to three of the last four major tournaments, including their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Swinney pays tribute to Clarke
Writing on X, Swinney said: “I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT. He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of. I wish him well for the future.” Swinney also reposted Clarke’s open letter to supporters, calling it “a fantastic, loving message to Scotland”.
Clarke's farewell letter
In a three-page letter titled “Bye-Bye Scotland”, Clarke wrote: “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.”
