Steve Clarke's resignation as Scotland manager has left the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in a difficult position, requiring an out-of-the-box approach to find a successor. Clarke guided Scotland to three major tournaments, ending a long drought, but the team's dismal performance at the 2026 World Cup in the US—ranking 11th among 12 third-placed teams—has highlighted the need for change.
A limited player pool and coaching talent
Clarke's tenure was marked by success despite severe limitations in playing resources. Critics often overlook the fact that Scotland's player pool is small and aging. However, the SFA's decision to offer Clarke a four-year contract before the World Cup was seen as tone-deaf, given the potential for disappointment. Clarke's resignation, while honorable, has left the SFA scrambling.
The lack of quality among Scottish coaches mirrors the player shortage. Only two Scottish managers, David Moyes and Alex Neil, work in England's top two leagues. Derek McInnes and Moyes are linked to club commitments, making them unattainable. Among Scottish Premiership managers, John McGlynn of Falkirk is a credible candidate, but questions remain about his ability to command respect from star players like Scott McTominay and John McGinn, who have underperformed in recent tournaments.
The case for a foreign manager
Ewan Murray argues that the Scotland job should no longer be reserved for Scots. The SFA must look abroad for fresh ideas, as seen in other nations. England employs German manager Thomas Tuchel, and Brazil has Italian Carlo Ancelotti. Scotland's domestic game is becoming more multicultural—Hearts hired a Belgian coach, and Motherwell brought in Jens Berthel Askou from Copenhagen's system.
Steven Naismith, Clarke's assistant, is a potential candidate but must be held partly responsible for the World Cup failure. Paul Lambert has not managed since 2021. Ange Postecoglou would be ideal but seems unrealistic. The SFA must avoid small-mindedness and parochialism, which have harmed Scottish football for decades.
Urgency in finding a replacement
The new manager must be in place before Scotland's Nations League campaign in September 2024. The path to Euro 2028 is relatively straightforward, as Scotland is a co-host. Clarke raised expectations, and the SFA must now find a leader who can build on that progress while learning from international best practices.
