Scotland’s World Cup exit was a third straight group-stage departure under Clarke, each marked by a blunt attacking edge.
Many observers point to a shortage of pace and athleticism across the side, which dulls Scotland’s counter-attacking threat compared with similarly sized nations.
The same physical gap in defence limits the scope to press high, leaving Clarke with a tactical conundrum on the biggest stages.
Former winger Pat Nevin, who has covered numerous World Cup matches for the BBC, believes Scotland struggles to produce enough players with the athletic profile needed to compete at major tournaments.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Nevin said Scotland needs a new wave of young, more athletic players coming through.
He noted that the speed many opponents play at often leaves Scotland behind the pace.
He added that he wasn’t only thinking of France, but also teams like Colombia, Mexico and many others.
In his view, Scotland can look a touch sluggish and less dynamic than those sides—an issue that needs sustained work.
So what’s the fix? An SFA report in 2024 said clubs were failing young players by not giving them sufficient first-team minutes early enough.
The introduction of co-operation agreements last season has created more pathways for teenagers to play in Scotland’s lower leagues sooner.
Nevin, however, argues that much broader change is needed.
He said Clarke recognised the squad didn’t have top-tier athleticism throughout, and that addressing this is difficult—more cultural than purely footballing.
As a small nation, he argued, everyone—clubs and governing bodies alike—must pull together and avoid narrow self-interest.
The priority, he said, is to give young Scottish players meaningful chances earlier.
With a background in player development—leading Rangers’ academy and holding a similar role at Nottingham Forest—Mulholland will be well aware of these challenges.
How Scottish football evolves from here will be compelling to watch.