Scotland nears appointment of new head coach after Clarke's exit
The Scottish FA has identified a preferred candidate for the vacant head coach role and hopes to confirm the appointment within two weeks. The new coach could be in place in time for September's Nations League fixtures.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has settled on a preferred candidate to become the national team's new head coach and expects to announce the appointment within the next two weeks.
Should the timeline hold, the new head coach would be in charge for Scotland's opening block of four Nations League matches, which starts away against Slovenia on 26 September.
Clarke's departure
Steve Clarke had agreed a new four-year contract in May, but stepped down after Scotland were eliminated at the group stage of this summer's World Cup, bringing an end to his seven years in charge of the national side.
The search
The process of finding his successor is being overseen by Craig Mulholland, who took up the role of the SFA's chief football officer in May. Mulholland is reported to have held discussions with a broad range of candidates from both the UK and abroad.
Interviews have already taken place, and the SFA is said to be nearing a final decision. It remains unclear at this stage whether the next head coach will be Scottish or from overseas.
Meanwhile, Steven Naismith, who worked as Clarke's assistant, said last month that he anticipates remaining part of the national team's coaching staff once a new head coach is in place.
