Steve Clarke's exit is one of Scottish football's strangest episodes

Steve Clarke’s exit becomes a standout episode in Scottish football as the Scotland manager effectively signaled his departure before the public conclusion of his role. After Scotland’s World Cup ended with a defeat by Brazil in Miami, fans had already been pressing for change following a tournament that promised much but delivered little, amid anger at the Scottish FA’s leadership. Clarke was reported to have already “checked out” three days earlier, saying, “For sure, I think we’re going home,” during a press conference. He also acknowledged shortcomings, stating the team “have to be better if we want to compete at this level.” The SFA, under chief executive Ian Maxwell and president Mike Mulraney, had handed Clarke a four-year deal running through 2030, with no break clause, confirmed near the end of May 28. Following seven years and one month, the resignation closed a period marked by contract certainty, rising scrutiny, and expectations of a full explanation.