Football NewsBBC SportUnverified source· 5 Sept 2026
Clarke: I nudged SFA into new deal before World Cup
Scotland boss reveals he had to push the SFA for a contract extension before the World Cup.


S. Clarke
coach
Who
Steve Clarke
What
Pushed SFA for new contract
When
Before World Cup
What happened. Steve Clarke said he had to cajole the Scottish FA into giving him a new contract before the World Cup, feeling they were hedging their bets.
- He always planned to resign if Scotland didn't progress past group stage.
- Contract agreed just before Curacao game after non-stop talks.
- He used media in March to give SFA a shove.
“I did a little bit in the media in March to give the SFA a little shove.”
— Steve Clarke
Clarke spoke publicly for the first time since leaving the Scotland job after the World Cup.
In this story
More to read

BBC Sport
72+: The EFL Podcast

Daily Mail Football
The SFA had no choice but to look abroad for a new head coach - there were simply no Scottish candidates for the job

The Guardian
Steve Clarke says he was always going to leave Scotland if World Cup went badly

BBC Sport
Clarke says standing down 'easy' decision after World Cup exit

