Steve Clarke is open to the idea of staying on as Scotland’s head coach if given the option.
The 62-year-old feels the ball is in Scottish Football Association’s court and revealed he has only had initial informal talks with chief executive Ian Maxwell.
Clarke, who was appointed in May 2019 and has led Scotland to three out of four tournaments, is out of contract after this summer’s World Cup, and there are plans to return to club management.
“I had a very brief conversation with Ian (Maxwell) about what they want to do going forward, but there hasn’t been anything concrete since the last time we talked to say this or that thing is happening,” he said.
“I’m really relieved about that, and of course we have to think about it.
“Listen, we had an open conversation. I think I said a long time ago, 25 (percent chance of me staying) – 75 (percent chance of me leaving). (I’m) probably going to be 50-50 now.”
Clarke will lead Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998 this summer after qualifying last year.
“I’m just waiting for the Scottish Football Association to come to me and say this is the future we’re thinking about. If I’m part of it, I’ll be able to have that discussion.”
The former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock manager added: “We’ve qualified in three out of four competitions, which I think is a pretty decent record. Of course we’d like to do a little bit better in the competitions this summer, but that’s something we can deal with once we get into the game.”
“The Scottish Football Association need to think a little bit about what happens next. Do they think I’m a player who can take the team to the next tournament and hopefully further qualify for the World Cup in four years’ time? That’s what they have to decide.”
“I’ll just have to sit and wait to see if I get a job from the club. If someone approaches me between now and the end of the season, I’ll make a decision then. I don’t have a decision to make at the moment.”
Clarke knows clubs looking for a manager will want to plan for pre-season and next season, and he wants to sort out his future before heading to the World Cup in June.
“From my point of view, I would like to see this issue resolved,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play in the World Cup for my country and now I’ve been able to do that. The important thing for me is whether the Scottish Football Association want me to take on more challenges and earn more qualifications. That’s what they have to decide.”
“As I say, I don’t have a choice at the moment because they have not made an offer in front of me and no club side has made an offer in front of me.”
