Despite a contract extension last month that would’ve kept Steve Clark as Scotland’s head soccer coach through the 2030 World Cup, he decided to resign following its exit in this year’s tournament.
Clark stepped down Saturday after Scotland — who won a match and lost two in Group C — was officially eliminated.
“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,” Clark wrote in a letter to fans, according to The Athletic. “They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honor to be called their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Clark, 62, had been in charge of Scotland for seven years, and the country’s fanbase emerged as one of the popular ones in the World Cup — with the Tartan Army taking over scenes at Fenway Park and loanDepot Park in Boston and Miami, respectively.
Scotland’s appearance in the World Cup marked its first since 1998, adding to a stretch after Clark took over in 2019 that also included appearances in the 2020 and 2024 European Championships.
“While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell, according to The Athletic. “From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.”
Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in its World Cup opener June 13 before falling to Morocco (1-0) and Brazil (3-0) in its next two matches, failing to advance out of a Group C that Brazil — with its two wins and a draw — took.
And now, despite the strides made under Clark, Scotland will be tasked with finding a new coach, too.