What Now for Scotland as Clarke Enters His Final Chapter?

After a dismal performance against Iceland and a string of poor results, pressure mounts on Steve Clarke as he navigates what may be his final stretch as Scotland’s head coach.


One year ago, the atmosphere at Hampden Park was filled with cautious optimism. Steve Clarke’s Scotland, preparing for Euro 2024, had just wrapped up a send-off match. Although the 2-2 draw wasn’t thrilling, fans clung to hope that the team would step up on Europe’s biggest stage.

But that hope has slowly unraveled.

Fast forward to now, and the sentiment around Clarke’s Scotland has shifted dramatically. A woeful 3-1 defeat to Iceland, currently ranked 74th in the world, has sparked serious questions about the team’s direction. It wasn’t just a loss — it was a wake-up call, and the alarm is still ringing.


From Brave Contenders to Bleak Performers

Gone are the gritty Scots who once stunned Spain. Forgotten, the side that outfoxed Croatia and Poland just months ago. What fans witnessed against Iceland was a shadow of the fearless team Clarke once led — uninspired in attack, disorganized at the back, and utterly lacking the hunger that had once defined their resurgence.

Even with players boasting top-tier resumes — Serie A winners, a Premier League champion, and European experience — Scotland struggled against an average Icelandic side that recently lost 3-1 to Kosovo.

And yes, it was only a friendly. But form, momentum, and confidence don’t care for labels. These matches matter. Not just to players and coaches — but to a fanbase desperate to believe again.


Slicker’s Debut Nightmare — But Not the Whole Story

Young goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, thrown into the spotlight after Angus Gunn’s early injury, endured a nightmarish debut. His errant pass gifted Iceland their opener, and two more goals slipped through his fingers. But to pin Scotland’s failings solely on a 22-year-old back-up keeper would be missing the forest for the trees.

Slicker was only one part of a larger problem: a team that lacked urgency, structure, and belief. This was not about one bad kick — it was about a team that looked completely unprepared.


Momentum Lost — And Confidence with It

This wasn’t a one-off. In fact, Scotland’s form has been declining for some time. Just three months ago, they were trounced 3-0 at home by Greece. The stats paint an even grimmer picture:

  • Only 4 wins in their last 21 games
  • 12 defeats in that span
  • 42 goals conceded and just 22 scored

Losses at home to Northern Ireland, Finland, Greece, and now Iceland suggest a team heading in the wrong direction — not toward the World Cup in 2026, but possibly back into obscurity.

Former striker Steven Thompson didn’t hold back:

“A defeat, at home, to a weaker nation than ourselves… When you go into proper World Cup qualifying, these performances won’t be tolerated.”


Clarke’s Contributions – and His Crossroads

To be fair, Steve Clarke has achieved what many before him couldn’t. Under his leadership:

  • Scotland qualified for two European Championships — something not seen since the 1990s.
  • He rebuilt a squad with talent and identity.
  • He helped restore national pride — at least for a time.

But at both Euros, Scotland fizzled out early. The emotional high of qualifying was followed by the cold slap of reality on the pitch. When Germany dismantled them 5-1 in the opening game of Euro 2024, the novelty of simply “being there” wore off fast.

Now, Clarke has admitted there’s a “75% chance” he won’t renew his contract after next summer. Some fans want that chance pushed to 100% — immediately. But is that fair?


Can Clarke Finish What He Started?

There’s still belief in some quarters that Clarke can guide Scotland to the 2026 World Cup, their first appearance since 1998. But time is short, and the patience of the Tartan Army is even shorter.

The next match against Liechtenstein could either provide a temporary boost or deepen the current crisis. Lose that one, and even Clarke’s strongest supporters might start to question whether he’s the man to continue.

Former defender Willie Miller summed it up:

“You’ve got to be honest with the fans — that’s not acceptable.”


A Legacy on the Line

For all he’s achieved, Steve Clarke’s final chapter will be written in how this Scotland team responds now. The World Cup qualifiers begin in September, and this run of friendlies was supposed to be a launching pad — not a crash landing.

Scotland has the players. They have the backing of a passionate fanbase. What’s in question now is whether they still have the fire — and whether their manager can light it again.


The Road Ahead: A Nation Holds Its Breath

If Clarke is truly entering his final act, it could be a defining one. Scotland’s road to redemption begins not in a major tournament, but on a quiet night against Liechtenstein. Win that, and the conversation may begin to change. Lose it — and the pressure may become unbearable.

One thing is certain: Scotland cannot afford to stumble any further. Not now.

Not with history — and a World Cup dream — hanging in the balance.

Written By Joe Brens

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