The Scottish FA is actively preparing for the future as head coach Steve Clarke approaches the final 13 months of his contract. Ian Maxwell, the chief executive, revealed that the association is "always scanning to see who's available" for the role. Clarke, who has been at the helm since May 2019, has successfully led Scotland to consecutive European Championships and is now focused on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, a feat the national team has not achieved since 1998.

Succession Planning in Focus

Maxwell emphasized the importance of succession planning, stating, "Managers can leave at any point for a variety of different reasons, so that's always on the agenda." While the immediate focus remains on Clarke and the team's World Cup aspirations, the SFA is keeping an eye on potential candidates to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

World Cup Ambitions

Scotland's journey to the 2026 World Cup begins with a crucial match against Denmark on September 5. The team is placed in Group C alongside Greece and Belarus. Maxwell expressed confidence in the squad, saying, "We've got a nation that wants him to get there. We need to get behind everybody to make sure that we find ourselves in USA, Mexico, and Canada next year."

Clarke's Legacy

Since taking over, Clarke has transformed Scotland's fortunes, taking the team from League C to League A in the Nations League and securing back-to-back European Championship qualifications. Despite recent mixed results, including a 4-0 friendly win over Liechtenstein, Maxwell urged fans to look at the broader picture. "We need to be aware of the substantial impact that the team have had, the substantial improvements in the team from where we were," he added.

Looking Ahead

As Clarke nears the record for the most matches overseen by a Scotland manager, the focus remains on achieving World Cup qualification. Maxwell concluded, "The discussion has always been about getting to the World Cup. Steve is desperate to get there, and we’re all behind him."