Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says there’s a 75 per cent probability he’ll depart his function after the 2026 World Cup.
The previous West Brom, Studying and Kilmarnock supervisor has already led Scotland to consecutive European Championships, and his subsequent goal shall be retaining their place within the prime tier of the Nations League – with a two-legged play-off in opposition to Greece this month.
His consideration will then flip to securing qualification to a primary males’s World Cup since 1998 – with Greece, Belarus and both Portugal or Denmark mendacity in Scotland’s means.
Clarke – who took over from Alex McLeish in 2019 – is out of contract after the event in america, Canada and Mexico subsequent yr, and the 61-year-old admits he might not renew that deal.
“I am going to go on share – 75 per cent,” he stated, when requested how possible he was to go away after the World Cup marketing campaign. “That is one thing that I have not spoken to my bosses about.
“However at this second in time, I am completely happy to run my contract down. And I need to go to America. That is the underside line. I need to assist this group of gamers to get to the World Cup in America.”
Regardless of their Euros success, Scotland missed out on the 2022 Qatar World Cup following a play-off loss to Ukraine – and Clarke admits the following 12 months will resolve his future.
He added: “I’ve nonetheless bought 10 huge video games this yr to find out my future shifting ahead.
“I’ve determined that I need to run the contract down. Clearly, if we have now a unbelievable yr and get to the World Cup and do effectively on the World Cup, perhaps anyone will persuade me to remain.
“Whether or not I keep right here or whether or not I’m going some place else, the following yr can decide my future. I believe it is somewhat bit too early to be speaking about me leaving or me staying.”
When requested if he nonetheless had ambitions to return to membership administration, the previous St Mirren and Chelsea defender stated: “I am at all times open to different options.
“I’ve loved being the top coach of Scotland. I am decided to get pleasure from this yr being the top coach of Scotland. We’ll see the place that takes us.”