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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has signed a new deal to remain in charge of the national team until 2026.
On the opening night of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus at Hampden Park, Clarke has committed to a new contract that will see him through to after the next World Cup.
Clarke’s first game is against Saturday’s opponents, Cyprus, in 2019 and kicks off a team campaign that has seen Scotland reach Euro 2020 – their first major finals since 1998.
Since then, Scotland have enjoyed promotion to Group A of the UEFA Nations League, and despite missing out on the Qatar World Cup, Clarke is now keen to return to another major tournament next year.
“I am proud that my coaching team and I will continue to lead the team through the next two qualifying campaigns, as well as Group A of the Nations League, but it is a testament to the squad of players that have been central to our improvement,” said Clarke.
“The immediate focus is to ensure a positive start to our Euro campaign against Cyprus, who are the opposition for my first match of 2019.
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It’s almost four years since Steve Clarke took charge of Scotland, and on the eve of a recent qualifying campaign, assistant John Carver believes the current squad is ‘night and day’ for the first time.
“When we named our squad for the double header, I spoke to the coach about how the quality and depth of the squad has grown over the past four years. We now have an experienced core that continues, but we are also improving quality and competition in every area. team.
“We also played those games in front of around 30,000 fans and will be out on Saturday, and on Tuesday against Spain, to a full house at Hampden Park.
“It’s important to get the fans and the countries involved and entertained and that’s something we have to do by winning games and qualifying for major tournaments, starting in Germany next year.”
Clarke deal ‘one of the easiest decisions’
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell (right) praised the work Clarke has done as Scotland boss
Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish FA added: “This has been one of the easiest decisions and conversations I’ve had as chief executive.
“Steve has united the nation behind the successful men’s national team and as we look forward to the new UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, it is vital that we show our commitment to Steve and the team behind him, and recognize the continuity that has been key to our improvement over the past four years.
“I know how the squad will return to the main finals after experiencing Euro 2020 and while everyone was disappointed by not reaching the World Cup in Qatar last December, getting promotion to the Nations League Group is an undeniable sign of progress. .
“I’m sure the fans will share the Scottish FA’s excitement and we wish Steve and the entire squad all the best for the upcoming double header.”
How did Clarke transform Scotland?
Clarke has changed the make-up of the Scotland squad over the past four years
Since taking charge almost four years ago, how much has Clarke changed from his opening game in 2019?
Scotland needed a late goal from Oliver Burke at Hampden Park to get past Cyprus and eventually qualify for Euro 2020.
However, of those who featured on the night – only six players remain in Clarke’s current squad, with Callum McGregor the only Scots player in those two.
There were 11 outfield players from the Scottish top flight in Clarke’s initial squad when, but Rangers’ Ryan Jack joined McGregor and the last addition Anthony Ralston as the only three outfield representatives this time.
The rest is dominated by players from the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship. There is also Lewis Ferguson, who was excellent in Serie A with Bologna.
While some may question the drop-off in outfield players from the Scottish Premiership making the cut, 12 of Clarke’s group are now all featured in the top flight before making the move down south or abroad as competition increases for places in the group.
Clarke’s assistant John Carver believes the squad was “night and day” from the start and showed how far the national side have come.
“I think the quality has improved all round. I think we have upgraded the players and the people who have played for us in the past have been very good,” he said.
“Steve showed the squad he picked four years ago and he showed the squad we have now and with respect to them, night and day.
“It shows the progress over four years that this group of players has made, but they will only be judged on what happens in this tournament now.”
Scotland Euro 2024 Qualifiers:
March 25: Scotland vs Cyprus, kick-off 2pm
March 28: Scotland vs Spain, kick-off 19.45
June 17: Norway vs Scotland, kick-off 5pm
June 20: Scotland vs Georgia, kick-off 19.45
September 8: Cyprus vs Scotland, kick-off 19:45
October 12: Spain vs Scotland, kick-off 19.45
November 16: Georgia vs Scotland, kick-off 5pm
November 19: Scotland vs Norway, kick-off 19.45
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