Scotland fell out of the Euros after a benign display in Stuttgart. Steve Clarke’s side exited the tournament having registered just four shots on target across all three games, meaning that fans were left disappointed as Scotland finished with just one point.
There has been some speculation about whether this defeat may be Steve Clarke’s last in the dugout with some linking ex-Man United and Everton manager David Moyes as his successor. The former Celtic defender was full of praise for Clarke, however, suggesting that the team hasn’t performed to expectations.
Speaking during BBC’s coverage of the match on Sunday, Moyes talked up the Scotland job and Clarke’s performance in the role.
“It’s a really good job. Steve has been brilliant and that is why everybody is behind it.
“You look at the amount of Scotland fans who have travelled, you look at the national anthem. You look at the way supporters have behaved themselves. They have been a credit to the nation.
“Maybe the team has fallen a little bit below that, at times, but I think the supporters have been magnificent. They really have been.”
Moyes, who recently departed West Ham, has suggested that the former Killie boss might fancy taking a break from football after a gruelling five years in charge of the National Team.
“I believe the Scotland job will be a good job for any manager. Some managers, who have worked quite hard over the years, sometimes need a break and take a wee bit of time before you do anything.
“Look, I have to say, and you know me, I will always stick up for managers the way I see it.
“None of you can say Steve has not done a terrific job. Steve Clarke has done a brilliant job.”
Clarke and the SFA will likely discuss the future when the dust settles from this tournament. Clarke has helped get the country behind the team again and has led the squad into two tournaments. It is only right that there’s an inquest as sentimentality can cloud decisions. The decision to persist with the manager should be with a view to making the World Cup and playing aggressive football.