While the Tartan Army have made a lasting impression off the pitch in the USA, they were a disaster on it, with a narrow win against Haiti followed by poor defeats to Morocco and Brazil.
There was a chance they could still make the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams, but results went against their favour, with Scott McTominay and co. now on the plane home.
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Clarke’s decision to step down has come as a big surprise given that he only signed a four-year contract last month and was primed to lead the team at Euro 2028, which Scotland are co-hosting alongside England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
After seven years and 81 games, Clarke is Scotland’s longest serving and arguably greatest ever manager, qualifying the national team for three of the last four major tournaments.
But their performances at those finals were dismal, winning just one of nine games and failing to get out of the group stages.
David Moyes is the higehest profile Scottish manager working today (Photo: Getty)
With star players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn the wrong side of 30, whoever takes over from Clarke has a tough job on their hands, and it is David Moyes who has emerged as the bookies early favourite.
Currently in his second spell at Everton, the 63-year-old has rebuilt his reputation following disastrous spells at Man Utd and Sunderland, notably winning the UEFA Conference League with West Ham in 2023.
Also heavily fancied is Ange Postecoglou, who won the Europa League with Tottenham last year. Out of work since a humiliating 39 day spell at Nottingham Forest last season, the Australian has been working as a pundit on ITV’s World Cup coverage.
Ange Postecoglou has managed in Scotland and on the international stage (Photo: Getty)
The 60-year-old has great experience of both Scottish and international football, winning five trophies with Celtic and the 2015 Asian Cup with Australia.
Other names in the running include Millwall boss Alex Neil, Clarke’s assistant manager Steven Naismith and legendary Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq over a year ago, Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021.
Could England legend Steven Gerrard take on the Scotland job? (Photo: Getty)
In an open letter to supporters upon his resignation, 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.’
