Clarke Discusses His Scotland Future
National coach Steve Clarke has revealed that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has not yet presented him with a new contract offer, leaving his future with the national team uncertain. Clarke, aged 62, will see his current contract expire following Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998. The team is set to compete in Group C against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in June.
The former Kilmarnock and West Bromwich Albion manager has successfully guided Scotland to three tournament qualifications, including two appearances at the European Championships.
"Obviously the thing in my head is what do I do next, where do I go next, what's next for me? I’ve qualified for three tournaments out of four. I think that’s a pretty decent record."
Clarke expressed his desire to improve Scotland's performance at the upcoming World Cup and emphasized that the decision regarding his continuation lies with the SFA.
"Obviously, I'd like to do a little bit better at the tournament this summer, but that's something that we can address when we get out there. Do the Scottish FA 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 noted that no offers have been made to him from either the SFA or club sides, and he is currently awaiting any potential approaches.
"At the moment I don't really have a choice to make because they haven't put an offer in front of me and none of the club sides have put an offer in front of me either. I'm just sitting here talking to you guys, having a good time. I've just got to sit and see if any club approaches me between now and the end of the season, and then I'll have a decision to make."
Scotland's World Cup Preparation and Squad Updates
In preparation for the World Cup, Clarke visited several locations in the United States before selecting Charlotte and Fort Lauderdale as the primary bases for the Scottish squad during the tournament. Scotland's fixtures include matches against Haiti on 14 June and Morocco on 19 June in Massachusetts, followed by the final Group C game against Brazil on 24 June in Miami.
"I always wanted to go to a World Cup with my country, so I've now done that," said Clarke, who previously played for Chelsea and St Mirren and earned six caps for Scotland.
Clarke also highlighted the recent inclusion of teenager Curtis in the Scotland squad for March, marking his first call-up.
Contract Discussions and Future Prospects
When asked if the decision regarding his future now rests with the SFA, Clarke agreed.
"Yes, I think it is. I've had a very brief conversation with Ian [Maxwell, SFA chief executive] about what they want to do moving forward. But I think I'm waiting on the Scottish FA now coming to me and saying, 'look, this is what we see as the future' and if I'm part of that then we can have that discussion."
Clarke admitted that his outlook on staying with Scotland has shifted since he previously estimated his chances at 25 percent, now considering them closer to 50-50. He remains unbothered by the current lack of resolution.
"It's been busy for everyone so I'm not surprised," he added.
