Steve Clarke walked away as Scotland manager immediately after their World Cup elimination in Charlotte, bringing an abrupt end to a seven-year tenure. The exit surprised players and Scottish FA board members alike, coming just weeks after they announced he would stay for four more years. Clarke's departure follows another major tournament failure, with Scotland failing to reach the knockout stages for the third consecutive championship.

During his reign, Clarke restored Scotland to relevance after years in the wilderness. He secured qualification for the Covid-delayed Euros through dramatic penalty shoot-out victories, then led them to the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Memorable wins included beating Spain at home and Norway away during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with Hampden Park buzzing with renewed energy. However, tournament performances disappointed, culminating in a 1-0 loss to Hungary at Euro 2024.

The squad faces significant rebuilding challenges. Clarke took three goalkeepers to America with a combined age of 103, while key players like Lyndon Dykes, John McGinn and Andy Robertson are entering their thirties. Scotland lacks creative central midfielders and pace on the wings, with strikers often feeding off scraps. The new manager inherits an aging core but also a fanbase hungry for progress.

Clarke's legacy splits opinion among supporters. Some credit him for ending Scotland's qualification drought and bringing hope back to the national team. Others point to the failure to progress beyond the group stage in three major tournaments. Regardless, finding a replacement capable of doing better with limited resources will test the Scottish FA's recruitment capabilities.