Steve Clarke: Leaving Scotland boss writes to supporters

Austin McPhee and James Morrison joined us to help us progress to Euro 2024, followed by Alan Irvine, who brings great experience to the group, and Andrew Hughes joining the team to help us qualify for World Cup 2026.

All good coaches but even better people.

Auxiliary staff (too many to mention but they know who they are) who did match analysis, medicine, sports science, kit, logistics and media.

When I started Head of Performance, Graeme Jones, would go to me with any problems or issues and we worked well together in implementing our off-field progress with facilities and structures.

As Grimm left for pastures new, Mark Leslie stepped in seamlessly to continue that push for high standards off the pitch, which has been reflected in our preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Thanks to both my administrative support staff for looking after me so carefully: firstly Frank Reilly who represented his country when we qualified for Euro 2020 before retiring, after a long wait, a happy man. Ashley replaces Philip Frank and continues to support me on top of his other responsibilities at the Scottish FA.

Thanks to my two presidents, the sadly departed Rod Petrie and Mike Mulraney who both supported me in their own ways. Two good people with the best interests of Scottish football at heart.

Thanks also to Chief Executive Ian Maxwell for putting his head down and appointing me as his first head coach and to the board who always listened to me when I asked for help trying to improve the facilities and the team and players.

The most emotional part of this farewell is for my players without whom none of the memories we have accumulated from 2019 to now would exist. From our captain Andy Robertson with 97 caps at the start of their journey with the national team, almost every player who has been called upon as a head coach in my time has given their all for their country, hence the period of sustained growth for our national team.

I quickly realized that consistency and familiarity would help these players bond with each other and with my staff, leading them to understand what it takes to be more successful at the international level.

They deserve all the accolades and accolades they have received and it was truly an honor to be called the Gaffer.

Thanks for having me and best of luck to my successor.

Bye-bye, Scotland!

Steve Clark!