Former West Brom boss and James Morrison mentor agrees new deal with nation

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has signed up for two more campaigns ahead of the nation’s first World Cup this century.

Former Albion boss Clarke has been handed a contract that takes him through to the end of the 2030 World Cup campaign to end major uncertainty over his future.

Ayrshire-born Clarke is set to lead his nation into this summer’s World Cup showpiece in North America, kickstarting next month.

Clarke said: “I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I’m proud to continue as head coach.

“It’s very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.”

Clarke took over in May 2019 after leading Kilmarnock to a third-placed finish in the William Hill Premiership and with the task of ending Scotland’s absence from a major tournament, which stretched back to the 1998 World Cup.

He led Scotland to back-to-back European Championships, plus a spell in the top section of the UEFA Nations League, and a 4-2 win over Denmark in November sealed top spot in the World Cup qualifying group.

Clarke spent a little under 18 months in charge at The Hawthorns from June 2012.

He led the Baggies to a finish of eighth in his sole full season in charge, a highest league finish since 1981.

Clarke was stood down in December 2013, having been placed on gardening leave until the following May, with the club 16th and two points above the drop zone.

Albion head coach James Morrison has worked under Clarke on the Scotland coaching staff. The former midfielder served as coach to his former club boss in the European Championship in 2024.

Morrison has revealed since taking over at The Hawthorns that he regularly leans on experienced ex-bosses including Clarke for advice.

There has been long-standing uncertainty over the 62-year-old’s future beyond the current World Cup campaign with Clarke rating his chances of staying on as 50-50 in March after previously intimating he was likely to depart.

He had not received a formal contract offer at that stage and hinted that clubs had made initial approaches to sound him out.

Clarke was keen to iron out his future before flying out to the United States on Sunday and the Scottish Football Association has finally moved to clear up the uncertainty.

Clarke said: “Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as head coach.

“It’s important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.

“For now, it’s all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curacao this weekend.”