Andy Robertson reacts to Steve Clarke's Scotland departure and sends emotional 340-word message to Tartan Army

Scotland's exit from the tournament was confirmed on Saturday night, with the squad forced to face up to another group-stage exit after failing to qualify for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams. In a double-whammy, head coach Clarke confirmed his departure from his role as national team boss in the immediate aftermath of their elimination.

Sign up for The Scotsman's World Cup newsletter - full details here.

The first and only manager to take Scotland to three major tournaments, the 62-year-old brought the curtain down on his seven-year reign as manager despite agreeing a new four-year contract in the days prior to the World Cup beginning, and now team captain Robertson has taken to social media to address his manager’s departure.

“Gaffer, it's a simple thank you,” wrote Roberson on his official Instagram page. “What you have done for our country will be remembered for years and years to come. In time, ​the sharpness of the disappointment we all feel right now will fade ​but not only will your legacy remain, hopefully it will ⁠become even more impactful. The moments that you helped deliver for our ​country, to name but a few - Serbia away, Spain at home, Norway away and of ‌course Denmark ⁠at home.

“Games that will go down in Scottish folklore and outcomes that would not have been possible without you. Those of us fortunate to be involved will all know that these magnificent days and nights happened because of the standards you set. Everything you have achieved as a manager, as a leader, and most importantly as a human should make you and your family immensely proud. Whatever the future holds, I wish you nothing but the best and thank you for the memories you have given us.”

Robertson, who recently signed for Tottenham Hotspur after almost 10 years with Liverpool, also sent a message to Scotland supporters following the team’s departure from the World Cup. Thousands of supporters made the journey to the United States this month in order to back the team, but were left disappointed when defeats to Morocco and Brazil sealed their tournament fate. In an emotional address to the Tartan Army, the skipper thanked them for their backing.

“As for the tournament,” added Robertson. “26 ⁠boys ​lived their childhood dream but ultimately failed to ​achieve our goal. We take responsibility for this because ultimately we know what a privilege it is to represent Scotland and how much the Tartan Army means to so many. Which brings me to our fans. To the Tartan Army and every supporter who travelled to the USA to cheer us on' you were incredible ambassadors to our nation. You are a big reason Scottish people are loved and welcomed wherever we go in the world.

“I know the sacrifices people make to afford trips like this, so I'm so sorry we were unable to deliver more for you on the pitch. To those who supported us from home, we saw and felt your backing all the way across the pond and will never take that for granted. The only pledge I can make to all of our supporters is that we will continue to fight to give you more tournament experiences and, hopefully, even better ones in the years to come.”