Steve Clarke has been spotted for the first time since quitting as the Scotland manager.
The former head coach was pictured leaving the Grand Bohemian hotel in North Carolina following the team’s World Cup exit and just hours after his resignation. As he bundled himself into a taxi headed for the airport on Sunday evening, he waved to fans and photographers.
The 62-year-old announced his departure from the national team after Croatia’s win over Ghana on Saturday, which sealed Scotland’s fate.
In a lengthy open letter to supporters on the Scottish Football Association’s website, he said: “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.”
View 3 ImagesThe former Scotland boss on his journey home(Image: PA)
Scotland mustered three points from nine in Group C to end up behind Brazil and Morocco, with a minus three goal difference, but it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last 32 of the competition. It was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.
Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments. Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in their opening Group C match in Boston – the same city where they then lost 1-0 to Morocco – before being beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Miami.
It left them with only a faint chance of going through to the last 32. Clarke last month signed a new deal which would have taken him to 2030, but he told Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell that he was calling time on a seven-year tenure which brought qualification for three out of four major tournaments.
Maxwell thanked Clarke for his “record-breaking contribution”.
View 3 ImagesScotland’s John McGinn leaving the team hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.(Image: PA)
He said: “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.”
Writing on X, First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to Clarke for what he had achieved in the role. I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT,” the message read.
“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.”
The Scotland players and staff began exiting their squad hotel throughout Sunday. John McGinn and captain Andrew Robertson were amongst the first to be seen wheeling out suitcases to waiting taxis.
Lawrence Shankland, John Souttar, and Kenny McLean also followed clutching bags as they headed into FIFA liveried cars.
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It is understood they are making individual journeys back home to Scotland.
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