John Swinney ‘sorry’ to see Steve Clarke step down as Scotland head coach

John Swinney has said he is “sorry” to see Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke step down following the team’s exit from this year’s football World Cup.

The Scots won their opening match at the tournament, but with two defeats and a minus-three goal difference, it was not enough to secure a place in the last 32 of the competition.

News of Clarke’s departure came shortly after Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday confirmed Scotland’s exit from the tournament.

Clarke led Scotland to three out of the last four major tournaments, and it was the national team’s first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1998.

Writing on X, the First Minister paid tribute to Clarke for what he had achieved in the role.

“I am sorry to hear that Steve Clarke has stood down as Head Coach @ScotlandNT,” the message read.

“He has taken the team and the country on an exciting journey to reach the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and he has so much to be proud of.

“I wish him well for the future.”

Swinney also reposted Clarke’s open letter to supporters, calling it “a fantastic, loving message to Scotland”.

The three-page letter, entitled Bye-Bye Scotland, finished with the words: “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.

“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.”