Steve Clarke resignation branded ‘kneejerk’ as ex-SPFL boss throws hat in the ring to be next Scotland boss
Scotland boss told his decision to resign is ‘kneejerk’
Steve Clarke has been told he acted too hastily in stepping down as Scotland head coach, with his decision branded a “kneejerk” reaction to their disappointing World Cup exit.
Clarke, 62, confirmed he would step down from his role as Scotland boss in the immediate aftermath of his side’s disappointing group stage exit from the World Cup on Saturday night, bringing an end to a seven-year reign in the dugout at Hampden Park.
While many have empathised with the manager’s decision to resign, former Scotland and Everton striker Duncan Ferguson says he was perplexed by the news, given that Clarke had penned a new four-year contract on the eve of the tournament, and questioned if his decision to leave had been reached too quickly.
“Very surprised by the decision,” Ferguson told ITV Sport. ““I was in a bit of a shock when I saw Steve resign. It seems like a bit of a kneejerk reaction. He’s jumped the gun. It has come so quick, hasn’t it? He’s done such a wonderful job for the country in qualifying for two [European] championships and a World Cup. I wish he’d taken a bit more time, and thought about it more. Maybe it has been on his mind for a long time, but why would you sign a four year contract then? It does seem a bit premature. I’m disappointed.
“You’ve always got regrets as a manager. What if, what if I did that, what if I picked him or changed to this formation. But look, the lads did their best and they just come up short. Let’s be fair, they got beat off Brazil, and we were in the game with Morocco. Let’s be honest, Scotland were never going to win the World Cup. I thought when he signed his four year contract, he’d be here to build and head into the next tournament. I’m really surprised by this decision.
“You always want more, don’t you? Maybe Scotland should have got out the group. Who knows. If they’d scored more against Haiti, they’d have given themselves a better chance. Maybe he’s spat his dummy out a wee bit, because he was getting criticism. Maybe, I don’t know the guy personally.”
The former Inverness and Forest Green Rovers manager, who also spent time as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Everton, shared his thoughts on who should be the next Scotland manager as speculation begins over who could be named as Clarke’s successor. Asked if he’d want the job himself, Ferguson replied: “Look, they’ve got my number! I would certainly have that conversation, no question about that. Unfortunately, they’ve not got the sense to phone me!
“It’s going to be a tough one. Because where is there a good Scottish manager right now? Where is there one who can take the job on and do a good as job as him? I'd like to see a Scottish manager. I think the England manager should be English. I'd like the Germany manager to be German. That's just me. I want a Scottish guy leading the team."
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