Steve Clarke: Scotland boss’ future will be discussed after World Cup qualifying, reveals SFA CEO Ian Maxwell | Football news

Scottish head coach Steve Clarke still has to hold talks with the Scottish Football Association about his future, according to CEO Ian Maxwell.

The 62-year-old became the first Scotland boss to lead the country to three major tournaments Tuesday’s victory over Denmark secured World Cup qualification.

Clarke has been described by Maxwell as a “revelation” after previously leading Scotland to back-to-back European Championships.

While his contract expires at the end of next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US, Maxwell says preparation for the World Cup is the focus, not contract talks.

“It is ironic that there is a contract renewal conversation going on when just after the euro, much of the country wanted its contract terminated at that time,” the SFA CEO said. Sky Sports News.

“We’re just enjoying the moment and enjoying being there. We have all these conversations to have. We have all the preparations to get through it, and that has to be the focus right now. We really haven’t talked about it.

“It was all about getting to the World Cup. He was very clear that that was an ambition, especially when we’ve obviously done back-to-back European Championships.

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

Maxwell: Succession planning is always ongoing

In March, Clarke said he was 75 percent certain he would leave at the end of his current contractbut added that the following year would decide his future.

The former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock manager also added that he was “open to other suggestions” when asked if a return to club management was on the cards.

However, after World Cup qualification was secured, Clarke said “the door is always open” for an extension.

Whatever the case, Maxwell insists the Scottish Football Association is making contingency plans in case the man who has scored the most games as national coach leaves.

“There’s always a bit of a succession plan,” Maxwell added. “You’re always aware that managers can leave their jobs for different reasons. My job is to know who all is there and that’s a bit of an ongoing process to be honest.

‘That never changes. You always have half an eye.’

Stand up, Mr. Steve Clarke?

The Tartan Army and more have called for Clarke to be recognized for his achievements as Scotland boss, with a statue in Hampden Park and a knighthood on the list of ideas – and Maxwell is fully behind it.

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

“He exceeded everything anyone imagined. I think that’s fair to say. When we gave him the job six and a half years ago, if anyone had said this is the qualifying performance in the next four tournaments, everyone in the country would have bitten their hand off.

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

“It means as much to them as it does to anyone else. It’s been a fantastic achievement, I’m sure, and I hope he now takes a moment to sit back and enjoy it.

“Knowing Steve, he will be focusing on the summer very quickly. Once the draw is announced, he will help us look at the base camps and understand where we will be training to ensure we are as prepared as possible. It has been a phenomenal run for him.”