Steve Clarke has been seen in public for the first time since stepping down as Scotland manager. The 62-year-old former head coach was photographed leaving the Grand Bohemian hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday evening, just hours after his resignation was announced. He waved to fans and photographers before bundling himself into a taxi bound for the airport.
Resignation after World Cup elimination
Clarke announced his departure from the national team following Croatia's victory over Ghana on Saturday, which mathematically ended Scotland's chances of advancing to the knockout stage. In an open letter published on the Scottish Football Association's website, Clarke expressed his gratitude: “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. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Scotland's World Cup campaign
Scotland finished third in Group C with three points from three matches, behind Brazil and Morocco, and a goal difference of minus three. They failed to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams that advanced to the last 32. This was Scotland's first World Cup finals appearance since 1998. Clarke led the team to three of the last four major tournaments, including Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
In their opening match, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in Boston. They then lost 1-0 to Morocco in the same city and were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Miami, leaving only a slim hope of progressing. Clarke had signed a new contract last month that would have kept him in charge until 2030, but he informed Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell that he was ending his seven-year tenure.
Tributes from officials
Maxwell thanked Clarke for his “record-breaking contribution,” stating: “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. 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.”
First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute on X, writing: “I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT. He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of. I wish him well for the future.”
Players depart team hotel
Throughout Sunday, Scotland players and staff began leaving the squad hotel. John McGinn and captain Andrew Robertson were among the first to be seen wheeling suitcases to waiting taxis. Lawrence Shankland, John Souttar, and Kenny McLean also followed, clutching bags as they headed into FIFA-liveried cars. It is understood they are making individual journeys back to Scotland.
