Scotland: Steve Clarke resigns after World Cup exit

Steve Clarke has resigned as head coach following Scotland's exit from the World Cup.

The Scottish FA announced his departure in a statement just moments after Croatia's win over Ghana on Saturday, which sealed Scotland's fate.

BBC Scotland has learned the players were told on Saturday with Clarke and the squad still at their Charlotte base.

He had signed a new four-year deal only a month ago.

The Scots defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opening Group C match in Boston, the same city where they then lost 1-0 to Morocco, before being beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Miami.

It left them with only a faint chance of going through to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams - but that hope was extinguished on Saturday, three days after the Brazil defeat.

"The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn't have had any of the memories that we've accumulated from 2019 until now," said Clarke.

"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.

"Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."

Clarke became Scotland head coach seven years ago, with the country having not reached a major finals since the World Cup in 1998.

Under his stewardship, the Scots reached two European Championships before making it to this summer's World Cup.

However, despite that qualification success, Scotland underwhelmed in all three tournaments, with the win against Haiti earlier this month the only win across the finals.

Scotland went into Wednesday's game against Brazil well placed to be one of the best third-placed teams in the competition, only for defensive mistakes to undermine that bid.

"While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve's seven years in charge," said Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell.

"From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.

"We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again."

There will be shock and surprise around this news for several reasons.

Firstly, is the timing of it. Scotland's exit from the World Cup was just a matter of minutes old before the news broke through the Scottish FA. It's understood the players were only told moments earlier.

Secondly, it was a month ago to the day Clarke signed a new extension. It was always thought this would be his final tournament, only for that long contract to be penned.

Lastly, fans and media had seen a different side to the Scotland head coach this tournament.

His dry sense of humour shone through at press conferences, far from the serious and stern Clarke which returned post-Brazil.

The final question is who now? Clarke will go down as Scotland's most successful manager, and the hunt to replace him starts now.