Steve Clarke confirmed as Scotland manager (updated)

[ford donald]

1 minute ago, Herbert said:

Hopefully he doesn't do the usual and pick players depending on what club they play for and goes for guys that are in form. Also a good chance to get rid of older players and go with a young squad.

 

3 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

First squad due to be announced 28 May. 

Have every confidence in him,always rated him.He always tells it as it is,no bull from him. 

[Mikey1874]

3 minutes ago, ford donald said:

 

Have every confidence in him,always rated him.He always tells it as it is,no bull from him. 

 

Yeah

 

He'll do a lot behind the scenes too working with players and the clubs. 

 

It's a difficult time of year, end season and not much time. But he turned Kilmarnock into a better side pretty quickly. 

Edited May 20, 2019 by Mikey1874

[Herbert.]

1 minute ago, ford donald said:

 

Have every confidence in him,always rated him.He always tells it as it is,no bull from him. 

 

 

This is probably the most sensible thing the SFA have ever done. I think he could start something good but he needs support from the top and media.

[Don Dan]

Good luck. He’ll need it. It’s not like club management where you have day to day influence especially when the quality of player is generally poor compared to other nations. 

[ducatiboy]

I think Stevie Clark got the best out of the Kilmarnock Squad because he is very good tactically that is one of the reasons I am happy/looking forward to seeing how we move forward with Scotland under him, I think the players will listen and respect him. He doesn't suffer fools gladly either...

[stranraer-jambo]

1 hour ago, 132goals1958 said:

 

Yep. I can now stop being indifferent to watching the national team.

 

I think there will be many, many more in this boat now. ? 

[Norm]

I'm not confident he'll do well at all. He'll be out after the Nations League games. 

[soonbe110]

Wonder who his back room staff will be. BBC saying Alex Dyer staying at Killie which is surprising unless he is taking the step up to manager. 

[heartsfc_fan]

Good appointment. Happy with this.

[Taffin]

5 minutes ago, Normthebarman said:

I'm not confident he'll do well at all. He'll be out after the Nations League games. 

 

I'm not sure he'll do a good job either but I like him and respect him so I'm in the fully behind him and the team camp...and it's a long time I've been in that camp!

[CJGJ]

If he is to be a success he'll need to get those Scotland shy footballers who appear to have gone walkabout over the last couple of years back in the fold

 

He'll need to hope that some of the young talent we have takes the next step up..players like Turnbull at Motherwell for example

 

There is much of the job that is outwith his control and perhaps a little bit of luck will be required as well

 

As a candidate he was clearly amongst the top 2 or 3 with most of those interested in the national side seemingly giving him their approval

I wish him luck over the next few years as will most of us I'm sure

[Inch Hearts]

Great news

[Kiwidoug]

Following decades of misery I find it hard to get excited but hopefully he can do really well and give us all a boost.

 

Cant help wondering though if a recycled Old Firm drunk might not have been a better bet.

[ramrod]

Excellent appointment and I think he will be very much his own man . 

Camt see players being aloud to pick and choose when they turn up under him . All this injured players playing the following week for their clubs won't be happening under him I would imagine . 

[Smoked-Glass]

If the thumb comes back we got a good squad. 

[Shanks said no]

Main thing is that it weakens Killie, so great news.

 

Would be interesting if he made Scotland "supportable" again

[All roads lead to Gorgie]

Really happy with this appointment. Didn't want McLeish or Strachan but this time we have a manager in form and he seems to have the drive to get the potential in the squad fully firing. 

[All roads lead to Gorgie]

Not excited enough to post twice though ☺️

Edited May 20, 2019 by All roads lead to Gorgie

[Doc Rob]

I’m well satisfied with this. My only concern is that every national coach we’ve had who has not played for, or managed, one of the Gruesome Twosome (Vogts, Burley, Levein) has been hounded out of the job by the media.

 

You might argue that all of those three had poor records as Scotland boss, and you’d be right. The media are right on their back from the first bad result, though, whereas ex-OF types like Strachan tend to get far more time.

 

As others have said, hopefully Clark will pick players who are on form, rather than according to who they play for, and will be firm with serial call-offs.

[Hearts_fan]

I have never been more excited by a Scotland managerial appointment. 

 

And to think he basically flipped the bird at Celtic and the rangers two days ago... What an appointment. 

[jamboinglasgow]

An appointment for once which fits what Scotland needs, not which member of the old pals group go is it.

 

Brings tactical knowledge and knows how to get players punching above their weight. If he can use his network and standing in England to persuade a few talented eligible players to declare for Scotland then it will be big (like Che Adams for example as we need goal scorers.)

[Taffin]

When was it announced that he wasn't staying at Killie?

 

Just watched his speech and felt for the club a bit to be losing him. Did the fans know already that he wasn't staying on?

[Captain Canada]

A good appointment. Hopefully he'll be given time to put his stamp on things. I wouldn't expect much in the next two games. 

[JamboAl]

1 hour ago, Dannie Boy said:

Good luck. He’ll need it. It’s not like club management where you have day to day influence especially when the quality of player is generally poor compared to other nations. 

1

1

This is a concern for Clarke or indeed anyone else who might have got the job.

I think he must look to including some of our up and coming talent and build a base that will serve us better in the future.  We might take a few beatings in the process but we are already doing that just now.

Edited May 20, 2019 by JamboAl

[Watt-Zeefuik]

A bit shocked the SFA made such a good decision. Figured it was a lock that they'd find another OF retread.

 

He's exactly who Scotland need. Fantastic hire.

[Andrew Gilbert Wauchope]

2 hours ago, ramrod said:

Excellent appointment and I think he will be very much his own man . 

Camt see players being aloud to pick and choose when they turn up under him . All this injured players playing the following week for their clubs won't be happening under him I would imagine . 

 

I woouldn't be surprised if it happens far more rarely.  He won't put up with anyway but, also, he seems to be a manager that players want to play for.

[i wish jj was my dad]

He should have been appointed before Eck. It was obvious he wanted the gig. 

 

As long as he picks players on merit rather than taking the easy option and picking OF or Anglo based players to keep the weegia onside he will do well.  

[ri Alban]

Fecking delighted!

[OTT]

1 hour ago, JamboAl said:

This is a concern for Clarke or indeed anyone else who might have got the job.

I think he must look to including some of our up and coming talent and build a base that will serve us better in the future.  We might take a few beatings in the process but we are already doing that just now.

 

I dunno, I think the basics are there. 

 

In terms of older players you've got, Fraser, Robertson, Cairney, McDonald, McArthur, Forrest and a few others. But more interestingly we've got heaps of youngsters to choose from; McGinn, Paterson, McTominay, Tierney, Souttar, McKenna, Burke, McBurnie, Christie - I wouldn't say we're in a much worse situation than most other nations our size, Wales obviously have the benefit of Bale but most others have one or two standouts and the rest are pretty meh.

 

If I was Clarke, I'd be moving heaven and earth to get Angus Gunn to commit to Scotland. Lad couldn't have a name more fitting for a Scotland jersey and it would be his from the outset with McGregors retirement. 

[Bridge of Djoum]

19 hours ago, Godric said:

I'm a Killie fan, i'm still on cloud 9 after today's/yesterdays game a bit sad Stevie is leaving Kilmarnock but i'm glad he is leaving for the Scotland job ... he said it was the only other job he would come back to Scotland for

 

Hearts are a great club with a great history with greats like Willie Bauld, but what makes Hearts tick are you the fans the guys  and girls that put your hands into your pockets/wallets/bank accounts to save Hearts ... we did it to a lesser extent compared to you guys, you are the reason Hearts never went to the wall unlike that mob from Govan ... i hope Hearts lift the Scottish cup this saturday  for the best and most loyal fans in Scotland... i hope Naisy is fit and raring to go for the game

I like this guy.

[Portable Badger]

Finally those lapsed Tartan Army foot soldiers may dust off their passports again having confidence the national side won't be as embarrassing to watch

[Bridge of Djoum]

4 hours ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

Boyd will be the pie tester.

Set piece specialist.

[i8hibsh]

Good decision one feels. 

 

A bit concerned that on his first day he sees the achievements of Shelley Kerr as his benchmark though. No offence to her but even Scotland can set the bar higher than that. I do get what he means though so all good.

 

 

[sac]

First job, sack Petrie, Dungcaster, McRae, & any other arsehole who shouldn’t be anywhere near Hampden. Shitehooses

[Pasquale for King]

19 hours ago, Godric said:

I'm a Killie fan, i'm still on cloud 9 after today's/yesterdays game a bit sad Stevie is leaving Kilmarnock but i'm glad he is leaving for the Scotland job ... he said it was the only other job he would come back to Scotland for

 

Hearts are a great club with a great history with greats like Willie Bauld, but what makes Hearts tick are you the fans the guys  and girls that put your hands into your pockets/wallets/bank accounts to save Hearts ... we did it to a lesser extent compared to you guys, you are the reason Hearts never went to the wall unlike that mob from Govan ... i hope Hearts lift the Scottish cup this saturday  for the best and most loyal fans in Scotland... i hope Naisy is fit and raring to go for the game

Cheers, hope you guys do well in Europe.

[Pasquale for King]

Great appointment, good luck to the guy.

[KillieMitch]

Tough one as a Killie fan - but I think he'll immediately fix a lot of the McLeish mistakes. 

 

He will pick a team to do a job and not give a shit about pressure to play Tierney and Robertson in the same team for example. 

 

He gave Jones the chance at Xmas to stay but once he saw his attitude he said enough was enough. Even in big games when we could have used a winger, didn't matter, he was as out. 

 

His use of Rory McKenzie should be a good omen too. Favouring a non flashy player because he works hard and gets the tactics right, transforming the boys confidence and strengthening the team as a result. 

 

Worth watching his good bye speech if you get the chance. I was ready to run through a brick wall for him after a few minutes. 

 

Exciting times. 

 

And tonight McCann says he wants the Killie job... Long summer ahead 

[colinmaroon]

On ‎19‎/‎05‎/‎2019 at 17:52, BOBTHEBRUCE said:

What a job he's done with Kilmarnock and it only took him 2 years. 

No 5 year plan needed. 

I think we can all say that he's the right man for the Scotland job. 

Exciting times. 

 

Pathetic!

 

For a start the 5 Year Plan was an all-club plan, covering every aspect of the "business."

 

Were Killie coming out of Admin when he took over?

 

Built any new stands? 

 

How is their youth coming along?  Obviously, Clarke must have a bunch of kids coming through under his watch.

 

I'm pleased he's got the job but let's see how the MSM treat him if we fail to qualify and things don't improve markedly.

 

 

 

[Unknown user]

4 hours ago, Doc Rob said:

I’m well satisfied with this. My only concern is that every national coach we’ve had who has not played for, or managed, one of the Gruesome Twosome (Vogts, Burley, Levein) has been hounded out of the job by the media.

 

You might argue that all of those three had poor records as Scotland boss, and you’d be right. The media are right on their back from the first bad result, though, whereas ex-OF types like Strachan tend to get far more time.

 

As others have said, hopefully Clark will pick players who are on form, rather than according to who they play for, and will be firm with serial call-offs.

Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown?

[Darren]

2 hours ago, i8hibsh said:

Good decision one feels. 

 

A bit concerned that on his first day he sees the achievements of Shelley Kerr as his benchmark though. No offence to her but even Scotland can set the bar higher than that. I do get what he means though so all good.

 

 

 

You're concerned he wants the men's team to emulate the women's team by qualifying for a major championship? How much higher do you suggest we set the bar? World Cup semi-finalists?

 

2 hours ago, sac said:

First job, sack Petrie, Dungcaster, McRae, & any other arsehole who shouldn’t be anywhere near Hampden. Shitehooses

 

[tian447]

 

 

[sadj]

4 hours ago, sac said:

First job, sack Petrie, Dungcaster, McRae, & any other arsehole who shouldn’t be anywhere near Hampden. Shitehooses

 

Petrie gave a speech at a leaving do last weekend for one of the SFA officials and it just showed how much shit we are in when he takes over. 

Edited May 21, 2019 by sadj

[jack D and coke]

Fair play to the SFA here getting the best man for the job, Clarke is a great appointment. 

Hopefully it can unite people again and even some of our own fans can lose that vile OF type attitude towards the Scotland team that seems to have crept in last few years. 

[Doc Rob]

22 hours ago, Smithee said:

Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown?

 

Schoolboy error! We’ve had so much of the ‘whose turn’ nonsense recently that I didn’t think back to the pre-Vogts days, which was pretty daft of me.

 

Having said that, Roxburgh and Brown were both internal SFA appointments, and steeped in the culture of OF supremacy - which is why Robbo didn’t get a cap until 1990 and only got a handful altogether.

[Unknown user]

1 hour ago, Doc Rob said:

 

Schoolboy error! We’ve had so much of the ‘whose turn’ nonsense recently that I didn’t think back to the pre-Vogts days, which was pretty daft of me.

 

Having said that, Roxburgh and Brown were both internal SFA appointments, and steeped in the culture of OF supremacy - which is why Robbo didn’t get a cap until 1990 and only got a handful altogether.

 

It's mental to think that there are 2 John Robertsons with more Scotland caps than the wee man!

[JamboAl]

If his TV interview is anything to go by, he is approaching the job with a no-nonsense, determined and positive attitude.

I think he made his view well known what he thinks about call-offs.

[Unknown user]

I was surprised to find that ten clubs in the EPL have featured at least one Scottish player this season, this shows the percentage time each nationality got at each club. 

 

 

Andy Robertson aside they maybe aren't at the top clubs but it maybe shows a creeping upwards trend in quality of player available. 

 

It's been tough, I've never given up with Scotland until McLeish came along again, but this feels hopeful all of a sudden

Edited May 27, 2019 by Smithee

[The Real Maroonblood]

1 minute ago, Smithee said:

I was surprised to find that ten clubs in the EPL have featured at least one Scottish player this season, this shows the percentage time each nationality got at each club. 

 

 

Andy Robertson aside they maybe aren't at the top clubs but it maybe shows a creeping upwards trend in quality of player available. 

 

It's been tough, I've never given up with Scotland until McLeish came along again, but this feels hopeful all of a sudden

That is surprising.

Remember the times when all your top English clubs each had an abundance of Scottish players.