Steve Clarke contract extension a risky move from Scottish FA amid mixed reaction from Tartan Army
Four more years of Clarke - but World Cup could define how deal is perceived
Call it fickle but safe to say there has been a mixed reaction to Scotland's most successful manager of all-time extending his contract for another four years.
Steve Clarke has signed a bumper new deal to remain as head coach through until the 2030 World Cup after becoming the first Scotland boss to qualify for three major finals.
On the face of it, the 62-year-old has earned the chance to extend his tenure to 11 years given his historic achievements in qualifying campaigns, most notably ending a 28-year World Cup exile.
Plenty fans agree with this sentiment and welcome the news that he is staying on. There is a restless element among the Tartan Army, however, who point to his record at previous tournaments and say that any decision should have been delayed until after this summer's World Cup.
The Scottish Football Association initially appeared to be of the same mind. It has been six months since the 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden that sent Scotland to North America. Plenty time for the powers-that-be to have thrashed out a new deal for Clarke if they were of a clear mind to do so.
However, after Clarke spoke out regarding his future during the March friendlies, stating that his chances of staying were "50/50" and that he would "wait and see" if any club teams were interested in hiring him, it became clear that his contract situation risked overshadowing the World Cup.
Perhaps caught in a catch 22, the SFA have decided that it is better for Clarke and the squad to have security and clarity heading into the tournament rather than uncertainty and instability.
The current squad will be pleased. Scott McTominay spoke this week about his desire for Clarke to remain in charge beyond this summer. Those sentiments are echoed across the group whenever the subject of the manager's future is brought up. However, for those who Clarke has consistently overlooked, such as Oli McBurnie and Oli Burke, the news will come as a blow.
There is a lot to be said for the team spirit Clarke has fostered with the continuity of selection over the years, although this has also been a bone of contention for some when it comes to the lack of fresh blood being introduced. The absence of Lennon Miller and Kieron Bowie from the World Cup squad in favour of older, out-of-form squad regulars is a case in point.
If Clarke leads Scotland out of the group stages and into the knockout round for the first time in history, then this contract extension will go down as a shrewd piece of business. However, a performance similar to Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, when Scotland exited with a whimper amid criticism of Clarke's team selections and tactics, will lead to questions being asked over this preemptive agreement.
The SFA have backed their man. It is now up to Clarke and his players to learn from those disappointing Euros and serve up a tournament Scotland can be proud of.
Most expected any new deal to involve an extension to Euro 2028. But committing to four more years of Clarke is a significant risk if the World Cup does not go well and public mood swings.
Ask me again at full-time in Boston on June 14 if the SFA have made the right decision.
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