Steve Clarke is open to remaining Scotland head coach — but wants clarity from the Scottish FA before the World Cup in the USA.
The 62-year-old said the ball is in the SFA’s court after only brief, informal talks with chief executive Ian Maxwell. Clarke, who took charge in May 2019 and has led Scotland to three tournaments out of four, is out of contract after this summer’s World Cup and has not ruled out a return to club management.
“I’ve had a very brief conversation with Ian [Maxwell] about what they want to do moving forward, but from the last time we spoke, nothing concrete to say this is happening or that’s happening,” he said. “I’m really comfortable about that. Obviously, you need to think about it.”
He recalled earlier remarks that there was a 25% chance he would stay and 75% he would leave, but said that has moved to around 50-50. “I’m waiting on the Scottish FA now to come to me and say, look, this is what we see as the future and, if I’m part of that, then we can have that discussion.”
Clarke pointed to his record — qualifying for three tournaments out of four — and said he would like better tournament results, something he hopes to address this summer. “The Scottish FA have got to think a little bit about what’s next for them. Do they think that I’m the guy that can go forward and progress the squad into the next tournament and hopefully set us up for a further World Cup qualification in four years’ time? That’s what they have to decide.”
He also said he will consider any club approaches between now and the end of the season. “I’ve just got to sit and wait and see if any club jobs…. if anybody approaches me between now and the end of the season, and then I’ll have a decision to make. At the moment, I don’t have a decision to make.”
Clarke hopes his situation is resolved before Scotland travel to the World Cup, aware clubs recruit managers early to plan pre-season and the next campaign. “From my point of view, I’d quite like it settled,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go to a World Cup in my country, so I’ve now done that. The thing for me is, do the Scottish FA want to keep me to try and go further and further and get more qualifications? That’s what they have to decide.”
Scotland’s World Cup Group C games:
– Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, Boston, 02:00 (UK time)
– Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, Boston, 23:00 (UK time)
– Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, Miami, 23:00 (UK time)