Scotland closing in on head coach to replace Clarke

What the report says

The Scottish FA has narrowed its search for a new Scotland head coach and, according to BBC Sport Football, has identified a preferred candidate. The association is hoping to complete the appointment within two weeks, which would allow the new manager to be in place before Scotland begin their next Nations League campaign away to Slovenia on 26 September.

The vacancy opened after Steve Clarke resigned following Scotland’s group-stage exit at the World Cup this summer. Clarke had recently signed a new four-year contract in May, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in charge. BBC Sport reports that the process to find his successor is being led by Craig Mulholland, the SFA’s chief football officer, who took up the role in May.

The article says Mulholland has spoken with a broad range of candidates from the UK and overseas, and interviews have already taken place. It remains unclear whether the next head coach will be Scottish or from abroad. One figure who may remain involved is Steven Naismith, Clarke’s assistant, who said last month he expects to stay with the national team setup under a new manager.

The appointment matters because it will shape Scotland’s approach going into a key run of international fixtures and set the tone for the next phase of the national team’s rebuild after a disappointing World Cup exit.