Mark O’Hara returns to Ayrshire, where it all started

Kilmarnock have today signed Mark O’Hara from St Mirren as the midfielder returns to where his career begun. Mark O’Hara who made his professional debut at the age of 16 after coming through the ranks in Ayrshire has become a very well known face within Scottish Football also having spells with Dundee and Motherwell as well as small stints with Lincoln and Peterborough down south. The midfielder made 20 appearances on his first spell with Kilmarnock in 2012 which saw O’Hara make 88 appearances before moving across to Dens Park in 2016, spending two seasons in the City of Discovery before a very small spell in England. One season with Peterborough United then a spell with Lincoln before returning to Scotland to sign for Motherwell in 2019. He would go onto spend 3 years in Lanarkshire with the Steelmen making over 80 appearances in Amber and Claret before having a spell at his fourth Scottish outfit, St Mirren. The 30-year-old would go on to captain the buddies as well as secure three back-to-back top six finishes as well as taking St Mirren back to the European stage as well as winning the Scottish League Cup in 2025 in a 3-1 win over Celtic. Mark O’Hara is delighted to be back at where it all started and can’t wait to get going at Rugby Park. O’Hara said: “I’m delighted to be back, and it’s good to come back at this stage of my career when I’m a different player than when I left,” Mark told Killie TV upon his return to familiar surroundings. “This is the club that gave me my chance in football. I’m looking forward to a successful season ahead. “I needed a fresh challenge. The club’s in a good place, and having had conversations with the manager, and working for him before, I knew he was somebody I wanted to work for again and that he’ll get the best out of me. It’s nice to be able to give a bit back to the club that gave me an opportunity.” McCann added: “He’s an important signing for the team. As St Mirren’s captain, he brings leadership skills. We lost Brad [Lyons], who had been a big presence around here, so it’s important that we brought in another leader within the group. “Mark I know well from my time at Dundee, and he was absolutely brilliant for me. It was a long time ago, but he’s still got a lot to offer. He’s a homegrown player with a massive connection to the club, which I’m sure the fans will appreciate and enjoy him being back. “I think Mark has got so much more to offer. Last season maybe disrupted him with one or two injuries, but I feel I can get Mark back to how good he’s shown he can be.” O’Hara will wear the 5 jersey as well as most likely get given captain following their former captain, Brad Lyons departed for Aberdeen.  

Five candidates to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland boss

Following last night’s news of Steve Clarke’s resignation, the hunt for the next Scotland manager begins.  Clarke departs from the National Team after seven years in charge, becoming the highest-capped Scotland manager ever. Prior to him, Scotland had not qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, he ended this hiatus by qualifying for EURO 2020. He’d then go back-to-back by leading Scotland to EURO 2024. A historic win against Denmark in November 2025 meant Scotland would finally return to the World Cup after 28 years. However, three disappointing group stage exits have led to the Scotland legend tendering his resignation immediately after their elimination was confirmed. Here are five potential replacements for Clarke in the Hampden hot seat. Ange Postecoglu An early favourite for many, including myself. Postecoglu is currently out of work after an unsuccessful period in charge of Nottingham Forest. Prior to that he ended Spurs’ trophy drought by taking home the Europa League in 2025. Of course, the Australian is best known in Scotland for his hugely successful period in charge of Celtic where he won five trophies in two seasons in Glasgow, playing entertaining, attacking football along the way. Postecoglu has previous success on the international stage as well, leading Australia to the 2015 Asian Cup. Steven Naismith Naismith has been Steve Clarke’s assistant since 2025 and is the current bookie’s favourite. He has previous experience as Hearts’ manager between 2023-24 where he guides the Edinburgh side to third place before being dismissed the following season. Kieran McKenna A potential left-field shout, highly rated Northern Irishman Kieran McKenna led Ipswich from League One to the Premier League after successive promotions, and then after relegation to the Championship, back to the Premier League again. Before leaving the club at the end of last season. McKenna was also previously the Manchester United assistant manager, working under names such as Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The appointment of McKenna would certainly prove to be an ambitious one with the manager previously being linked to managerial positions at clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United. John McGlynn Another man behind a double-promotion. McGlynn led Falkirk from Scottish League One to the Premiership in back-to-back seasons before securing a respectable sixth place finish as Falkirk returned to the top flight for the first time since 2010. McGlynn is also a three-time PFA Scotland Manager of the Year, winning the award in 2011, 2024 & 2025. David Moyes The Everton boss seems a sensible appointment. Moyes has taken charge of just under 600 Everton matches over two spells. He’s since rebuilt his reputation from a poor spell at Manchester United by winning the Conference League with West Ham in 2023. Some question marks were placed over Clarke’s head after EURO 2024 and Moyes seemed the obvious choice back then prior to his return to Everton, but the chance may come for him once more. The SFA are able to take their time in appointing a successor as Scotland’s next match takes place on the 26th September, when they travel to Slovenia in the UEFA Nations League.

Islam Chesnokov Leaves Hearts After Brief Tynecastle Spell

Heart of Midlothian’s summer rebuild has continued with the departure of Kazakhstan international winger Islam Chesnokov, who is set to return to his former club, FC Tobol, just six months after arriving in Edinburgh. Chesnokov joined Hearts in January 2026 on a deal running until the summer of 2028, arriving with a growing reputation following impressive performances in the Kazakh Premier League and for the Kazakhstan national team. However, his time at Tynecastle never truly got going. The 26-year-old made only 11 appearances for the Jambos, scoring once and struggling to cement a regular place in the starting line-up. Reports suggest Chesnokov turned down more lucrative proposals elsewhere to return to Tobol, the club where he enjoyed the best spell of his career before moving to Scotland. His departure comes during a period of significant change at Hearts following the appointment of new head coach Wouter Vrancken. Several players have already left Tynecastle this summer, while some new arrivals have been brought in as the Belgian looks to reshape the squad ahead of the new season. For Chesnokov, the move back to Kazakhstan offers an opportunity to rediscover the form that made him one of his country’s brightest talents. Although his stay in Edinburgh was short-lived, Chesnokov leaves with the best wishes of the Hearts support, who hope the winger can reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.

The Five Defining Matches of Steve Clarke’s Scotland Tenure

Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Brazil proved to be the final act of Steve Clarke’s seven-year tenure as Scotland manager. Over a record-breaking 81 games and three major tournament appearances, his reign delivered a rollercoaster of unforgettable highs and forgettable lows. As the dust settles, we look back at the five defining matches that shaped the Clarke era. Serbia 1-1 Scotland – Euro 2020 Playoff Final On a rainy night in Belgrade, Scotland finally ended a gruelling 23-year exile from major tournament football. Ryan Christie’s 52nd-minute strike handed the Scots a priceless lead, but in typical fashion, we refused to make it easy. Luka Jovic headed home a heartbreaking equaliser with mere seconds left on the clock, forcing a torturous period of extra time before the tie moved to penalties. Just as they had in the semi-final shootout against Israel, Steve Clarke’s men held their nerve, burying all five of their spot-kicks. The defining moment fell to David Marshall, who threw himself to his left to parry Aleksandar Mitrovic’s final effort past the post. Marshall’s iconic save officially punched Scotland’s ticket to Euro 2020, banishing over two decades of tournament heartbreak. Coming at a time when the country was gripped by lockdown, the victory provided a nation under Steve Clarke with a much-needed shot of pure optimism and hope. Scotland 1-3 Ukraine – World Cup 2022 Playoff Semi-Final On a warm June evening in 2022, a raucous Hampden Park dared to dream. Scotland had roared to second place in their qualifying group, crowned by a rampant 2-0 home victory over Denmark, to secure a home playoff semi-final against Ukraine, leaving them just 180 minutes away from the World Cup. But on a deeply emotional night, the Scots froze on the big stage and were pulled apart. Artem Dovbyk’s late strike put the final gloss on a 3-1 Ukrainian victory, sealing yet another “glorious failure” for Scotland. Despite the crushing defeat, the match highlighted how far the national team had come. The sight of a packed, roaring Hampden stood in sharp contrast to the sparse crowds of Steve Clarke’s first match against Cyprus three years prior. Clarke’s side had successfully reunited the nation, leaving fans with a lingering belief that this gritty squad would take them all the way one day. Scotland 2-0 Spain – Euro 2024 Group A Qualifying Scotland’s charge to Euro 2024 was fuelled by an explosive five-match winning streak in Group A, headlined by a truly historic night at Hampden Park against Spain. Steve Clarke got his tactics absolutely spot on. His meticulously organised back five completely frustrated the visitors, laying the perfect foundation for Scotland to hit them on the counterattack at breathtaking pace. Scott McTominay emerged as the hero, striking early in each half to secure a famous 2-0 win, an evening made all the sweeter by Rodri’s post-match complaints about the length of the Hampden grass. The result put the footballing world on notice. With Spain conquered, Scotland marched on to qualify for the tournament in style, brushing aside Norway, Cyprus, and Georgia along the way. Scotland 4-2 Denmark – World Cup 2026 Group C Qualifying Perhaps the most famous night in Scottish football history, this was the moment Scotland secured their place at the 2026 World Cup as Group C winners. It was a fairytale evening, headlined by three of the greatest goals Hampden Park has ever witnessed. A towering overhead kick from Scott McTominay, a sublime curling strike from Kieran Tierney, and a spectacular effort from Kenny McLean from the halfway line sent the stadium into pure rapture. The match played out like a movie script, with a resilient, experienced Danish side twice pegging the Scots back. But Steve Clarke had forged a team defined by character and grit. Even after suffering two heavy setbacks during the match, Scotland refused to buckle and fought back to claim victory. Post-match, the players spoke passionately about an inspiring hotel speech Clarke had delivered before kickoff, proving they were a squad ready to run through brick walls for their manager. For all the inevitable frustrations of major tournament football, there is no question that Clarke’s side delivered an immortal night that will be cherished for decades to come. Haiti 0-1 Scotland – World Cup 2026 Group C In what would prove to be his final act, Steve Clarke led his team to Scotland’s first World Cup victory in over 30 years. There was a poetic symmetry to John McGinn’s deflected winner in the 28th minute, arriving exactly 28 years after the Scots had last graced the world stage at France ’98. While the overall performance across the tournament wasn’t perfect, Clarke had achieved the unthinkable just by getting them there. The Tartan Army spent a glorious week partying across America. Though Scotland ultimately failed to progress to the knockout stages, their manager had given the nation one final, unforgettable night to celebrate.

Bailey Rice Joins Killie on Loan

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Bailey Rice, subject to international clearance. The Scottish midfielder arrives at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park from Rangers on a deal until the end of the season. Bailey, 19, had significant transfer interest from clubs around the UK and Europe before agreeing a new contract at Ibrox this summer. Following the success of Findlay Curtis’ loan spell in Ayrshire, both clubs felt another arrangement was suitable for the next step in Bailey’s career, and so he will join up with Neil McCann’s side when they travel to Northern Ireland for the next part of their pre-season preparations. “It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team” Bailey told Killie TV after becoming our fourth summer signing. “I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it. “I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like. “I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.” Bailey started out at Motherwell but was snapped up by Rangers from the Fir Park youth system. He has spent the last four years at the Glasgow club, making 16 first team appearances, including a Europa League outing at Old Trafford. He will wear number 49 during his time in Ayrshire – the same shirt he holds at Rangers. McCann commented: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team. “He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us. The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace. “He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us. He’s young with not an awful lot of game time behind him, so I’ve set him the task of getting himself to the stage where he’s pushing to get into the team. If he does that, he’s got the quality that can help us have a successful season.”

John Spencer and David Caldwell Back Derek McInnes to Deliver Success at Rangers

Former Scotland striker John Spencer believes Rangers have appointed the right man to restore the club to the top of Scottish football after Derek McInnes was unveiled as the new manager at Ibrox. Speaking on the latest SNN Sports Football Podcast, host Scott Bradley was joined by former Chelsea, Rangers and Scotland forward John Spencer, alongside former professional footballer David Caldwell, who enjoyed a career with Mansfield Town, Chesterfield, Torquay United and Belgian side KVV Overpelt before moving into coaching and football analysis. The trio discussed McInnes’ appointment, Rangers’ ambitions under new ownership and the expectations awaiting the former Hearts boss. “McInnes ticks every box” Spencer believes Rangers have finally appointed a manager who understands exactly what is required to succeed at Ibrox. “I think McInnes ticks a lot of boxes for Rangers,” Spencer said. “He’s a Rangers man, a former player, understands Scottish football inside out and knows exactly what the supporters expect. I think it’s a fantastic appointment.” The former Scotland international also praised McInnes’ first press conference, believing the new manager struck the right tone. “He wasn’t making huge promises or saying things just to please people. He spoke well and understands the size of the job. Rangers fans will appreciate that.” Caldwell draws on experience working alongside McInnes Caldwell offered a unique insight into McInnes after previously working alongside him during his spell at Aberdeen, where he assisted with opposition analysis. “I’ve worked with Derek and everybody speaks very highly of him,” Caldwell explained. “I think he’ll do well at Rangers. Football changes quickly and ultimately managers are judged by results, but I believe he’s earned this opportunity.” Having spent more than a decade playing professionally in England and Scotland, Caldwell believes this represents the defining challenge of McInnes’ managerial career. “He’s had experience at several clubs and now he’s got one of the biggest jobs in Scottish football. At Rangers you’re expected to win trophies. That’s the reality.” Why Hearts allowed him to leave One of the biggest talking points surrounding McInnes’ appointment was how quickly Hearts allowed the move to happen. While many supporters were surprised the Edinburgh club didn’t put up more resistance, Caldwell believes Hearts’ long-term football strategy may have played a role. “I think Hearts are moving towards a different football philosophy,” he said. “They’ve invested heavily in recruitment and data-led decision making. Derek has his own style of football, so perhaps both sides felt the timing was right.” Success won’t be measured by second place Both Spencer and Caldwell agreed that Rangers supporters will only judge McInnes on one thing—silverware. “At Rangers it’s about winning trophies,” Spencer said. “It’s not about finishing second and saying you’ve had a decent season. Derek understands that because he’s lived it.” Caldwell echoed those sentiments, pointing out how little time modern managers are given to build a team. “Managers don’t get years anymore. They need results quickly. Derek knows the expectations and he’ll have to implement his ideas straight away.” Recruitment key to Rangers’ future The panel also discussed Rangers’ summer transfer plans, with speculation already linking the club to several Scottish Premiership players. While Spencer believes bringing in players who understand the league could help, Caldwell warned that quality must remain the priority. “It doesn’t matter whether players come from Scotland or abroad,” Caldwell said. “You need quality footballers who fit the manager’s system and the culture of the football club.” Drawing on his own experience, Caldwell reflected on the Rangers sides of previous generations. “When I played against Rangers they had outstanding Scottish players mixed with top international footballers. That’s the standard Rangers have to get back to if they want sustained success.” A defining opportunity McInnes has waited years for another opportunity to manage Rangers after previously being linked with the role. Now, he finally gets his chance. With a major squad rebuild expected this summer and pressure to challenge Celtic immediately, both Spencer and Caldwell believe Rangers have appointed a manager capable of handling the responsibility. Whether that belief translates into trophies will ultimately determine how successful the McInnes era becomes. Watch the full discussion The full conversation featuring Scott Bradley, John Spencer and David Caldwell is available now on the SNN Sports Football Podcast, where the panel also discuss Scotland’s World Cup campaign, Steve Clarke’s future, the Messi vs Ronaldo debate and their favourites to lift the World Cup.

Wouter Vrancken Targets Premiership Title Challenge After Taking Charge at Hearts

New Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has outlined his ambitions after arriving at Tynecastle, insisting his side must aim to challenge Celtic and Rangers at the top of Scottish football. The 47-year-old Belgian has signed a two-year contract with Hearts, replacing Derek McInnes after his move to Rangers earlier this month. Vrancken arrives in Edinburgh following an impressive spell with Belgian side Sint-Truiden, where he guided his hometown club to third place in the Belgian Pro League last season – their highest league finish in 60 years. His achievements earned him Belgium’s Coach of the Year award. The new Hearts boss now takes over a side that narrowly missed out on ending a 66-year wait for the Scottish Premiership title after suffering a final-day defeat to champions Celtic. Speaking for the first time since his appointment, Vrancken made it clear what his objectives are. “[The remit] is to compete with the Glasgow teams and to try to overachieve again and have a good season, try to fight for the top spots.” He believes Hearts have already shown they can compete with Scotland’s traditional powerhouses. “We will fight for the best. They had a smell of the title last year, that’s the nicest thing to play for.” “Everybody wants to play for those spots and we have to try out best to get to the level and get the Hearts I want to see.” “First being as good as possible at this, then we can have another great season.” Hearts Land Highly-Rated Belgian Coach Hearts revealed that Vrancken was attracting interest from several clubs across Europe before choosing the move to Tynecastle, making this his first managerial role outside Belgium. Belgian football consultant and podcaster Scott Coyne believes Hearts have secured one of the continent’s most exciting coaches. “He could have gone to France or Germany and I think he’s picked Hearts because of the Champions League football, because of Edinburgh.” Coyne believes Hearts’ progress last season also played a major role in attracting Vrancken. “I think there’s something about Hearts’ success last season – he sees a template over the next two, three, four years potentially to go and do something really interesting.” What Style of Football Can Hearts Fans Expect? Supporters can expect an attacking, high-energy approach under their new manager. Coyne described Vrancken’s philosophy as one built around aggressive pressing, quick transitions and fluid attacking play. “He likes really direct and fluid football. So think quick transitions, lots of player rotations, an aggressive press, lots of overloads, fluidity in the wing play as well, so his wing-backs and his wingers are going to be out wide a lot.” However, he warned that Vrancken’s adventurous tactics can leave teams exposed defensively. “He might give you defensive headaches sometimes because he’s one of those coaches who does like to go pretty gung-ho. So you will concede some goals playing in a Wouter Vrancken side, but you’ll also score a lot as well.” Coyne also praised Vrancken’s ability to maximise limited resources. “He’s excellent with sides on limited resources, getting them to really punch above their weight, because he creates this environment inside squads that is really tight knit. And he’s just really good at identifying bad apples.” He added that the Belgian is an ideal fit for Hearts’ long-term strategy. “He fits the way Hearts want to play football and the way they’re looking to recruit players.” “He understands the Jamestown model as well because obviously he’s coached against Union Saint-Gilloise with a number of clubs in Belgium over the past few years.” A Manager on the Rise After beginning his playing career with Sint-Truiden, Vrancken went on to represent Gent, Genk and Mechelen before moving into management. His coaching breakthrough came at Mechelen, where he guided the club to promotion and Belgian Cup success in the same season before delivering three consecutive top-eight league finishes. At Genk, he came agonisingly close to winning the Belgian title during a dramatic three-way battle with Royal Antwerp and Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022. Following a spell at Gent, Vrancken returned to Sint-Truiden in April last year, initially steering the club away from relegation before transforming them into genuine title challengers. His side eventually secured third place and qualified for the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history. Big Rebuild Awaits at Tynecastle Vrancken inherits a Hearts squad undergoing significant change. Captain and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has already departed for Rangers, joining former Hearts boss Derek McInnes at Ibrox. Midfielder Beni Beningime has left following the expiry of his contract, while Cammy Devlin has yet to decide on a new deal. Questions also remain over the future of veteran Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Defenders Michael Steinwender and Frankie Kent have also moved on, while Craig Halkett faces a spell on the sidelines through injury. Reports have also linked reigning Scottish Player of the Year Claudio Braga and winger Alexandros Kyziridis with potential transfers away from the club. The departures are part of Hearts’ ongoing recruitment model alongside Jamestown Analytics, which focuses on identifying emerging talent, developing players and generating profit through future sales. To strengthen the squad, Hearts have already completed seven signings this summer. Among them are Scottish-based wingers Calvin Miller, who joins from Falkirk, and Josh McPake from St Johnstone. With Champions League qualifying fixtures also on the horizon, Vrancken has little time to mould his new-look squad as Hearts look to build on last season’s remarkable title challenge.

Steve Clarke Resigns as Scotland Manager After Seven-Year Spell as Emotional Farewell Released

Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland manager following the national team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in modern Scottish football. The 62-year-old leaves the role after seven years in charge, having guided Scotland to back-to-back European Championships before leading the men’s national team to its first World Cup in 28 years. Despite the disappointment of Scotland’s elimination in the United States, Clarke departs having reconnected the national team with supporters and overseen a period of sustained progress on the international stage. In an emotional farewell letter addressed to the Tartan Army, Clarke reflected on his journey from accepting what many viewed as an impossible job to becoming the first Scotland manager since Craig Brown in 1998 to qualify the nation for a major tournament. “When I was first approached by the Scottish FA about the position of head coach, I was advised by many people to leave well alone as the job had become a poisoned chalice.” “In my head I was just the wee boy from Saltcoats who had done well in his chosen profession and my country wanted me to be their leader, at least in a football sense.” “I couldn’t find a reason to turn the approach down. My job remit was simple: qualify for a major tournament.” From Belgrade to the World Cup Clarke’s reign will forever be remembered for ending Scotland’s long absence from major tournaments. He recalled the unforgettable night in Belgrade, where Scotland secured qualification for Euro 2020 during the Covid pandemic. “As I reflect on my seven years in the job, my overriding emotion is pride, closely followed by satisfaction. To the first coach since Craig Brown, in 1998, to lead the country to the finals of a major tournament was the stuff of dreams.” “That night in Belgrade – with no supporters in the stadium due to Covid – was an experience of pure, raw emotion from start to finish. It gave the nation some welcome cheer from the restrictions of the pandemic.” Although Scotland exited Euro 2020 in the group stage, Clarke highlighted the memorable draw against England at Wembley. “Although the tournament was, for us at least, a bit of a damp squib, there was an unforgettable night at Wembley when we more than matched the eventual beaten finalists England and held them to a 0-0 win!” Three years later Scotland qualified again, this time for Euro 2024 in Germany, where thousands of supporters travelled across Europe to back the team. “Again we came up short in the matches but a marker had been set and a new generation of Scotland supporters took my squad to their hearts. Qualify – and they will come in their thousands.” Pride Despite World Cup Exit Clarke believes Scotland are capable of eventually making history if qualification becomes a regular occurrence. “While emotions are raw following our elimination, I genuinely believe that if we continue to qualify regularly for these tournaments we will inevitably break the glass ceiling of reaching the knockout phase.” He also looked back proudly on Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, describing it as one of the finest achievements of his career. “Winning our group from a position as third seeds is a truly remarkable achievement from a remarkable bunch of players that I have been lucky enough to lead.” “The campaign was difficult against quality opposition but time and time again we found a way to get the required points culminating in the most incredibly Scotland game ever seen at Hampden Park in a 4-2 win versus Denmark.” Rebuilding the Bond with the Tartan Army One of Clarke’s proudest achievements was restoring the connection between Scotland’s players and supporters. He contrasted his first match in charge with the scenes witnessed during the World Cup. “From my opening game against Cyprus in front a half-empty Hampden Park – and a largely apathetic crowd – to the frenzy of such unforgettable matches as out 2-0 defeat to Spain and that memorable night against Denmark.” During the World Cup in the United States, Clarke said Scotland’s fans once again became one of the tournament’s biggest talking points. “From Miami to Boston and New Jersey our fans won the hearts and minds of the American public and football fans across the world.” He also reminded supporters that this squad achieved something Scotland had not managed for decades. “Let us not forget that the players won a World Cup finals match for only the fifth time in Scottish football history, and the first in 36 years.” “The team were responsible for giving everyone the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime and I am proud to have played a part in that.” Thanks to Staff and Players Clarke used much of his farewell to thank the many coaches and staff who worked alongside him throughout his time in charge, including Alex Dyer, Steven Reid, Stevie Woods, John Carver, Steven Naismith, Chris Woods, Austin MacPhee, James Morrison, Alan Irvine and Andrew Hughes. He also paid tribute to performance staff, medical teams, administrators, Scottish FA executives and former presidents Rod Petrie and Mike Mulraney, along with chief executive Ian Maxwell for placing his faith in him. Finally, Clarke reserved his most heartfelt thanks for the players. “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.” He praised everyone who represented Scotland during his tenure, from captain Andy Robertson to those just beginning their international careers. “Almost every player that has been called upon in my time as head coach has turned up and given everything for their country, hence a period of sustained improvement for our national team.” “I quite quickly realised that continuity and familiarity would help these players to bond with each other and my staff, leading them to understand what is needed to be more successful at international