Ignore the critics. Steve’s new deal is great for Scotland
The news that Steve Clarke has signed a new contract to remain as Scotland manager right through until the summer of 2024 is a great piece of business.
He took the country to our first major Finals in 23 years, and has achieved some great results over the past 24 months.
The SFA recognised they have a first-class operator in charge of the national team, and wanted to show some forward-planning and make sure they have their man securely tied down.
It’s good work from chief executive, Ian Maxwell, and the rest of the Hampden hierarchy.
I’m told one or two people have complained about it after our disappointing Euro 2020 Finals campaign. But I don’t see any negative side to this new arrangement.
Had they not tied down Steve to a new deal, they could have been accused of being negligent. This takes away any uncertainty, and the clarity of this situation should be appreciated.
Club jobs have been available to Steve in his time as Scotland boss, and there will be more to come in the next two or three months.
There is no doubt he will be on the radar of some. That might also have been the case a few weeks ago when a couple of big jobs were available.
But he has now made it clear that he sees his future as being the Scotland manager.
I, for one, think it’s brilliant news. That said, it doesn’t mean to say that he won’t be sought after any longer. Chief executives may still try to get him.
But the SFA have put themselves in a strong position by extending his deal, and Steve will be focused on the journey to Qatar, and qualification for next year’s World Cup Finals.
The players will also be pleased, as they respect and rate Steve. They’ll be happy to have that continuity.
There are three tough games coming up, and we know we need to get as many points as possible on the board.
A few players will be missing through injury and illness, but we still have the likes of Craig Gordon, Callum Mcgregor, Che Adams and a few more.
The game on Wednesday night, away to Denmark, will be the toughest of the lot.
They have won their opening three qualifiers, scoring 14 goals. They even thumped fellow Euros finalists, Austria, 4-0 in Vienna.
The Danes are serious operators, and we will need to be right on it in the Parken Stadium. A draw would be an excellent result and, honestly, what an achievement that would be.
We then need to look at beating Moldova at Hampden and picking up a point, at least, away to Austria. That would set us up nicely for the fixtures in October.
All in all, we are still in the hunt, but we need to keep going.
The nation tasted the flavour of what it was like to be in a major tournament again, and the Tartan Army, quite rightly, want more of the same. We all do.
And as we celebrate Steve’s new deal, there has also been much delight at Old Trafford after the re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the past two weeks, stories emerged about him leaving Juventus
At one stage, it looked as though it might be Real Madrid, and then Manchester City took the lead in the race.
Most people thought it was a done deal for the Etihad, but instead he has ended up back at United. The only team that matters now is the one who got a hold of him.
He was an outstanding player for Sir Alex Ferguson, and helped the club to multiple successes.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and then to Juve. He has been top drawer at both clubs, and also helped Portugal win the Euros in 2016.
Ronaldo is now 36, but still has plenty to give and loads to offer. It’s very fortunate for United to be financially able to pull off such a deal.
For both football and commercial reasons, it makes total sense.
I’m sure he will be wellmanaged, and it’s probably too much to ask him to play two games every week at club level and then for the national team.
But it definitely strengthens United, and they will now be considered serious title challengers.
I have always said they will be in the mix this season. But at least three other clubs will also be in the chase for the Premier League title.
It all makes for a fascinating campaign and the interest, as ever, will be huge.