Austin MacPhee and James Morrison came in to support our drive to Euro 2024, followed by Alan Irvine, whose vast experience enriched the group, and Andrew Hughes, who helped us seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
They’re all excellent coaches—and even better people.
I also want to acknowledge the many members of our backroom team—analysis, medical, sports science, kit, logistics, and media—too many to list, but they know who they are.
When I began, Head of Performance Graeme Jones was my problem-solver and partner in pushing our off-field progress—facilities, structure, everything. When Graeme moved on, Mark Leslie stepped in seamlessly and kept raising standards, reflected in our World Cup 2026 preparations.
My sincere thanks to the administrative staff who looked after me so well: first, Frank Reilly, who finally got to represent his country when we made Euro 2020 before retiring a happy man. Ashley Phillip took over and continued to support me brilliantly alongside her other Scottish FA duties.
I’m grateful to both of my Presidents—the late Rod Petrie and Mike Mulraney—each of whom backed me in their own way. Two good men with Scottish football’s best interests at heart.
Thanks as well to Chief Executive Ian Maxwell for the courage to make me his first head coach appointment, and to the board for always hearing me out on improving facilities and anything affecting the team and players.
The most emotional farewell is reserved for my players. Without them, none of the memories from 2019 to now would exist. From our captain, Andy Robertson, on 97 caps, to those just beginning their international journey, almost everyone called upon during my tenure turned up and gave everything for Scotland. That commitment underpinned a sustained period of progress for the national team.
I learned quickly that continuity and familiarity helped the squad bond with each other and with the staff, and understand what it takes to succeed at international level.
They deserve every bit of praise they get. It was a true honour to be their gaffer.
Thank you for having me, and best of luck to my successor.
Bye-bye, Scotland!
Steve Clarke.