The report says Clarke took charge with one clear mission: guide Scotland to a major finals. That target was achieved with qualification for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, ending a long period in which reaching major tournaments had been an occasional achievement rather than an expectation.
His letter also highlighted a campaign in which Scotland won its group despite entering as the third seed. That result underlined the competitive progress made during his tenure, particularly against stronger-ranked opponents.
Clarke’s biggest source of pride was reportedly the reconnection between the national team and its supporters. Scotland’s travelling support became a defining feature of the era, while home matches generated a renewed sense of belief around the side.
Several results captured that shift. The report points to the tense 0-0 draw with England at Wembley, a 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park and the emotional significance of a match in Belgrade played without supporters during the Covid era.
Yet tournament progression remained unresolved. Scotland reportedly won a World Cup match for the first time in 36 years, but recent performances fell below expectations and the team again failed to turn qualification into a sustained run beyond the group stage.
The next manager will inherit a squad shaped by Clarke’s tenure, from captain Andy Robertson to younger players introduced during the cycle. The immediate task will be to preserve the team’s tournament presence while finding the extra quality needed in decisive matches.
Clarke reportedly believes Scotland can break through the group-stage barrier if qualification becomes a regular habit. The next appointment, and the first competitive fixtures under new leadership, will test whether that optimism can become the foundation of a new era.