Steve Clarke sends direct message to SFA over expiring contract as he drops Hearts star World Cup selection hint
National team boss has addressed contract talks after naming his latest 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast
Steve Clarke has suggested the ball is in the Scottish FA’s court regarding his contract situation - but indicated he is now “50-50” on his plans as he weighs up whether to stay on as manager beyond this summer’s World Cup finals.
The 62-year-old, who is out of contract following the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, revealed he has held a “brief conversation” with SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell over his future as national team boss.
Last year, Clarke admitted he could be enticed back into day-to-day club management if the right offer comes along after almost seven years in charge of his country. He previously managed West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock.
Withs his future hanging in the balance, Clarke has provided an update on contract talks.
He stated: “I have been here, there and everywhere, I have had one very brief conversation with Ian about what they want to do moving forward but from the last we spoke, there’s been nothing concrete in terms of this is happening or that is happening.
“We had an open conversation. I think I said a way back I was 25-75, I’d probably go 50-50 now. But I think I am waiting on the Scottish FA coming to me now and saying, ‘this is what we see as the future’. If I am part of that then we can have that discussion.
“Obviously the thing in my head is, what do I do next? Where do I go next? What is next for me? I have qualified for three tournaments out of four. I think that is a pretty good record. Obviously I would like to do a little bit better in the tournament this summer but that is something we can address when we get out there.
“In terms of what’s next, the Scottish FA have to think a little bit about what is next for them. Do they think I am the guy who can go forward and progress the squad into the next tournament and hopefully set us up for a further World Cup qualification in four years’ time? That is what they have to decide.
“I just have to wait and see if any club jobs or anyone approaches me between now and the end of the season. And then I will have a decision to make. At the moment I do not have a decision to make.”
Asked to clarify if he felt the ball was now in the SFA’s court regarding his contract, Clarke replied bluntly: “I think it is.”
Pressed further on whether he would like the situation to be resolved before the World Cup, Clarke added: “From my point of view, possibly. Because hopefully it is into July before we leave America, which runs into pre-season for everybody else. So yes, from my point of view, I would quite like it settled.
“It’s not for me to decide (if I’ve done enough to merit a new contract). That’s for other people to decide. At the moment, I am really comfortable.”
Steve Clarke ‘not surprised’ over lack of contract offer from SFA
Given the scale of his achievements, Clarke has a very strong case to be considered as Scotland’s greatest-ever manager. He has overseen more games than any other Scotland boss after surpassing Craig Brown last October and became the first man to guide the nation to three consecutive major tournaments.
“No, not really,” Clarke responded to being asked if he was surprised there hasn’t been an offer made to him already. “It’s been really, really busy for everybody since we qualified. There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes for a lot of people. So I’m not surprised.
“I always wanted to go to a World Cup with my country and I’ve now done that. The thing for me now is, do the Scottish FA want to keep me to try and go further and further and get more qualifications? That’s what they have to decide.
“At the moment I don’t really have a choice to make because they haven’t put an offer in front of me and none of the club sides have put an offer in front of me either.”
Lawrence Shankland World Cup selection hint dropped
Clarke, who has been linked with the Celtic job, elected to leave out Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland from his latest 26-man squad as he nears a return to competitive action following a two-month absence with a hamstring issue.
Explaining his decision to omit the Jambos skipper for the upcoming friendly double-header with Japan and Ivory Coast, Clarke said: “He is right on the cusp of being fit but it’s probably better for him to train with his club to make sure he’s getting the right training load so that he’s fit and available for the rest of the season. And fit and available for the summer.”
The Scots host Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday, 28 March before taking on Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, 31 March.