Scottish Football Association president Mike Mulraney has declared he was right to appoint Steve Clarke as Scotland manager seven years ago and remains equally certain today.
Clarke has just signed a new four-year deal as Scotland manager, keeping him in charge through to the 2030 World Cup.
The contract extension comes on the eve of the 2026 World Cup in America, with Scotland preparing to compete on the global stage once again.
This will be the third tournament out of the last four that Clarke has guided Scotland to qualify for, a record that the SFA views as strong justification for extending his deal.
Mulraney, who played a significant role in appointing Clarke in 2019, said he has never wavered in his belief that the manager was the correct choice for the national team.
The Alloa Athletic owner said: “I genuinely don’t need vindication. I KNOW I was right. I don’t need other people to vindicate my decision.”
He continued: “I knew I was right the day I appointed Steve. I knew I was right the day he qualified us for a major tournament. I know I’m right on the days it goes wrong – and I believe I’m still right as I sit here today.”
Mulraney acknowledged his confidence could be perceived as arrogant, saying: “It might sound arrogant, but I don’t need vindication. I never need applause or anyone to tell me I’m doing it right.”
The SFA president also warned that clubs who parted ways with their managers often came to regret the decision, noting that players and teams are not always appreciated until they are gone.
He said: “What often happens in football is that you do not appreciate how good you have it until you don’t have it anymore.”
Mulraney made clear that Clarke had nearly delivered four consecutive tournament qualifications, a feat that Scotland had not managed for quite some time before his tenure.
“Right now, we’ve got the right man in the job for our nation. He has qualified for three of the last tournaments and it was nearly four out of four,” the president said.
Many within the Tartan Army had expected the contract extension to run only through to the 2028 European Championship, making a four-year deal something of a surprise to supporters.
Clarke has faced criticism despite qualifying for the last two European Finals, with his team failing to deliver a strong performance at either tournament.
He drew further scrutiny from fans before departing for the United States when he selected 19-year-old Manchester United player Tyler Fletcher as a replacement for Billy Gilmour, overlooking the likes of Lennon Miller and Connor Barron.
When asked about supporters potentially being surprised by the length of the deal, Mulraney said: “I don’t feel surprised by it. Because if you believe in your project and believe what you are doing is right, then show the commitment.”
The president added that the SFA also has confidence in the women’s team management, with both squads supported under the same philosophy of long-term commitment and stability.
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