A former Celtic boss is being linked with the Scotland job after Steve Clarke's resignation. The Tartan Army were officially eliminated from the World Cup on Saturday night, exiting the tournament as one of the four worst third-place teams.
The bruising Brazil defeat certainly didn't help, but as it turns out, even a narrow defeat wouldn't have been enough. Scotland's demise really came from failing to score more than one against Haiti and failing to land a point against Morocco.
Clarke now departs after a stellar qualification campaign but a very disappointing World Cup. While Scotland were always going to be outgunned by some nations, they certainly had the ability to do better than some of the other nations that have reached the knockout stages, and so the performance at the tournament itself will go down as a failure, even if reaching it was a huge achievement.
Clarke says goodbye
Despite this summer's frustrations, Clarke should leave with nothing but good will from supporters, who have been treated to a memorable World Cup appearance, and indeed plenty of other great memories along the way because of his work.
Clarke wrote a lengthy resignation letter, and said: "Let us not forget that the players won a World Cup finals match for only the fifth time in Scottish football history, and the first in 36 years. The team were responsible for giving everyone the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime and I am proud to have played a part in that.
"As I conclude my reflection on a wonderful seven years I really need to thank my ever-changing coaching staff who have all helped me immensely: Alex Dyer, Steven Reid and Stevie Woods initially; followed by John Carver, Steven Naismith and Chris Woods as the key men by my side."
He added: "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. From our captain Andy Robertson with 97 caps to those at the start of their journey with the national team, almost every player that has been called upon in my time as head coach has turned up and given everything for their country, hence a period of sustained improvement for our national team.
"I quite quickly realised that continuity and familiarity would help these players to bond with each other and my staff, leading them to understand what is needed to be more successful at international level.
They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be call their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor. Bye-Bye, Scotland! Steve Clarke!"
Postecoglou in the frame
The oddsmakers are already sounding out possible replacements for Clarke ahead of the Euro 2028 qualification campaign, and Everton boss David Moyes is an early favourite, although he seems to be enjoying life back on Merseyside, which would make a move unlikely at this stage.
Clarke's assistant Steven Naismith is the next favourite, which is understandable, and then comes former Celtic title-winning boss Ange Postecoglou, who needs a way to bounce back from a disappointing and short spell with Nottingham Forest, which followed his Europa League title and subsequent sacking at Tottenham.
Postecoglou's appointment would likely split opinion given his Celtic allegiance and the fact he is Australian. The next man in the odds is now former Ipswich Town boss Kiran McKenna, who is Northern Irish.
McKenna has won promotion twice with Ipswich Town, and he surprisingly resigned this summer after getting the Tractor Boys back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
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