'No hard feelings' from Kilmarnock, as Steve Clarke leaves to take the Scotland job

Steve Clarke leaves Kilmarnock with the best wishes of everyone at the club, according to one of the club’s directors.

Cathy Jamieson was speaking to us after the former boss was named as the new head coach of the Scotland national team.

Cathy told us: “Most football managers don’t get the opportunity to leave on a high, and anyone who was at Rugby Park on Sunday or who saw the incredible scenes at the end of the game, would see the quality of Steve as a manager.

“But he also thanked the fans, the board and everyone involved with Kilmarnock for helping to make his time a success.”

And she also believes the foundations laid by Steve Clarke can be carried on by the club going forward: “We know now that we have that sense of belief to match the passion that was there before, and we’re looking forward to a European campaign, along with whatever else next season brings.”

Clarke will outline his initial plans for the Scotland role later having been appointed as head coach 24 hours after leading Kilmarnock into Europe.

He’s signed a three-year contract after leaving Killie following their third-placed finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

The 55-year-old will speak at a Hampden media conference on Tuesday but will otherwise be mainly focused on preparing for two European Championship qualifiers next month.

Clarke quickly has to select his first squad with games to come against Cyprus on June 8 and Belgium three days later.

Scotland sit in fifth place in Group I after two matches with a negative goal difference following a defeat by Kazakhstan and uninspiring win over San Marino in performances which ultimately cost Alex McLeish his job.

But McLeish led Scotland to top spot in their Nations League group and a guaranteed play-off place and Clarke is determined to lead his country to Euro 2020, which will include games at Hampden.

Clarke said: “It is an honour to be appointed Scotland national team head coach and I will undertake those responsibilities with pride and commitment.

“I firmly believe we have a talented group of players who can achieve success on the international stage. I look forward to working with them and helping them to fulfil those ambitions.

“I appreciate the Scotland supporters have waited a long time for the national team to qualify for a major tournament. Now we have a Women's World Cup to look forward to in France this summer and it's my motivation to emulate the success of Shelley Kerr and her squad by leading us to Euro 2020.

“I believe we can qualify and look forward to that journey with the players and the fans, starting against Cyprus and Belgium next month."