Steve Clarke: Scotland boss’ future to be mentioned following World Cup qualification, reveals SFA CEO Ian Maxwell

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is but to carry talks with the Scottish FA over his future, in line with CEO Ian Maxwell.

The 62-year-old grew to become the primary Scotland boss to steer the nation to a few main tournaments, following Tuesday’s win over Denmark that secured World Cup qualification.

Clarke has been described as a “revelation” by Maxwell, having beforehand led Scotland to successive European Championships.

Whereas his contract expires on the finish of subsequent summer time’s match in Canada, Mexico and USA, Maxwell says World Cup preparation is the main focus, not contract talks.

“It’s ironic that there’s a contract extension conversation when just after the Euros, a lot of the country wanted his contract to be ended at that point,” the SFA chief govt informed Sky Sports activities Information.

“We’re simply having fun with the second, revelling in the truth that we’re there. We have all these conversations to have. We have all of the preparation to get via, and that is obtained to be the main focus in the meanwhile. We have genuinely not mentioned it.

“It is all been targeted on attending to the World Cup. He was very clear that that was an ambition, notably once we’ve finished back-to-back Euros clearly.

“The World Cup was the missing one. He and his squad have been very focused on getting there, and there has been genuinely no discussion about anything other than let’s get there, and now we’ll focus on making it as good as we can.”

Maxwell: Succession planning at all times ongoing

In March, Clarke stated he was 75 per cent sure he would depart on the finish of his present deal, however added that the subsequent 12 months would resolve his future.

The previous West Brom, Studying and Kilmarnock supervisor additionally added that he was “open to other suggestions” when requested if a return to membership administration might be on the playing cards.

Nonetheless, after World Cup qualification was secured, Clarke stated “the door is always open” to an extension.

Both means, Maxwell insists the Scottish FA is making contingency plans ought to the person who has managed essentially the most video games as nationwide workforce boss depart.

“There’s always a bit of a succession plan,” Maxwell added. “You’re always aware that managers can leave jobs for a variety of different reasons. It’s my job to be aware of who’s out there and that’s a bit of an ongoing process to be fair.

“That by no means modifications. You have at all times obtained half an eye fixed.”

Come up Sir Steve Clarke?

The Tartan Military and extra have known as for Clarke to be recognised for his achievements as Scotland boss, with a statue at Hampden Park and knighthood on the concepts checklist – and Maxwell is absolutely on board.

He added: “I’ve seen a few clamours for Sir Steve Clarke titles to be given out, and I think he absolutely deserves it, and we’d love to see that.

“He surpassed something anyone would have thought. I believe that is truthful to say. Six-and-a-half years in the past, once we gave him the job, if anyone had stated that is what the qualification achievements are going to be over the subsequent 4 tournaments, all people within the nation would have bitten their hand off for it.

“He’s been an absolute revelation. I can’t speak highly enough of him. I can’t speak highly enough of the group of players. I’m delighted for all of them because they put so much into it.

“It means as a lot to them because it does to anyone else. It has been a unbelievable achievement and one which I am positive and I hope that he’ll take a little bit of time now and simply sit again and revel in it.

“Knowing Steve, he’ll be very quickly focused on the summer. As soon as the draws come out, he’ll be over to go and help us look at base camps and understand where we’re going to train just to make sure that we’re as prepared as we can be. It’s been a phenomenal run for him.”