Steve Clarke has shown a useful knack of assisting the Scottish Football Association’s public relations. Progression to the delayed Euro 2020 finals ended a tale of woe that stretched back to 1998. A draw with Ukraine last September sealed qualification to the top tier of the Nations League. The incessantly negative din that accompanies matters relating to Scottish football has occasionally abated thanks to the work of Clarke and his team. A functioning national side masks all manner of administrative sins.
This theme continued as Scotland prepared to open their Euro 2024 campaign with a visit from Cyprus. Clarke informed his squad on Friday morning that he had extended his contract until the World Cup in 2026. “We are all delighted,” said the captain, Andy Robertson. “Since the manager came in, there has been a much more positive feeling around the team. We believe under this manager we can get better.”
