​Former Scotland captain Scott Brown has expressed that he is utterly devastated by the departure of head coach Steve Clarke. Clarke, who announced his resignation after Scotland failed to advance beyond the World Cup group stage, leaves behind a legacy that Brown believes will be hard to match. Clarke took charge in 2019 and led Scotland to their first major tournament appearances in years, guiding the team to the European Championships in 2020 and 2024, as well as a long-awaited return to a World Cup after a 28-year hiatus.
Brown told BBC Scotland that he is devastated by Clarke’s exit because, in the history books of Scottish football, no manager has managed to take the national team to two European Championships and a World Cup in succession. “I think if you look in the history books of Scotland, nobody’s made two Euros and a World Cup as a manager, whether they like your style or they don’t,” Brown said. He emphasized his sympathy for Clarke, noting that Clarke has achieved something unprecedented for the country. “I feel for Steve because he’s done something that the country’s never done. We didn’t get out of the group stages, we’ve never been out of the group stages before. We’ve only won five World Cup games ever. So take everything that Steve’s done as unbelievable, and the criticism that he gets, it’s not nice for him.”
Brown also recalled his support for Clarke’s efforts, reflecting on the loyal backing the national team has received from the Tartan Army in the United States. He added that supporting Scotland on the road to tournaments underscores that teams must earn their place, highlighting the importance of qualification campaigns and consistent performance on the international stage. “I did love the Tartan Army in America. It shows you we need to be at tournaments, but you’ve got to earn the right to get there,” he stated.
The former Celtic and Hibernian midfielder, who previously captained Scotland across a transformative period, noted that he never had the opportunity to compete in a major finals tournament as a player. “I never had the opportunity to play at a Euros or a World Cup, so for that group of players it’s been an unbelievable achievement,” Brown remarked, underscoring the significance of Clarke’s role in delivering those opportunities for the next generation of Scots.
The coaching carousel has been active this week, with veteran manager Bobby Williamson, who previously led Kenya and Uganda, revealing that he had considered Brown, Ally McCoist, and Kevin Thomson as potential assistants as part of a bid to become Scotland’s next head coach. While Clarke’s departure has opened the door for fresh ideas, Brown found some humor in the ongoing media speculation about his own future. “You see my name in the betting lists for everything these days,” he quipped, noting that he is currently enjoying a break from managerial duties. Since leaving Ayr United in March, Brown has been focusing on television work and enjoying his newfound freedom, at least for the moment.
As the Scottish football community processes Clarke’s exit, Brown’s reflections serve to remind fans of the exceptional milestones achieved under Clarke’s stewardship. Clarke’s tenure, marked by European Championship appearances and a World Cup return, has left a lasting imprint on Scotland’s national team history. Brown’s tribute captures the sense of loss felt among players and supporters who valued Clarke’s leadership, his distinctive approach, and the progress made in recent years. While questions about the future of Scotland’s coaching position will persist, Brown’s heartfelt comments emphasize the magnitude of Clarke’s contributions and the emotional impact of his departure on those who have shared the journey with him.