Steve Clarke's resignation as Scotland manager has left the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in a difficult position.
The SFA must now find a replacement who can lead the national team to future success, but the pool of qualified Scottish candidates is limited.
Clarke ended Scotland's long wait for major tournament appearances, qualifying three times despite limited playing resources.
However, the team's poor performance at the World Cup in the US highlighted the need for change.
The SFA's decision to give Clarke a four-year contract before the World Cup now seems misguided.
Clarke's sudden departure spares him and the SFA a lengthy goodbye but places them in a quandary they thought they had avoided.
Limited domestic options
Only two Scottish managers—David Moyes and Alex Neil—work in England's top two leagues. Club commitments make both unattainable.
Derek McInnes has long been considered a candidate, but he is also tied to club duties.
In the Scottish Premiership, only John McGlynn of Falkirk stands out as a credible candidate.
However, questions remain about whether his skills could transfer to managing top players like Scott McTominay or John McGinn.
Steven Naismith, Clarke's assistant, is likely to be considered, but he must be culpable for the World Cup failure.
Paul Lambert has not managed since 2021.
Lessons from abroad
The SFA must look beyond Scotland for a new manager.
Foreign coaches have brought success to other national teams, such as England's German manager and Brazil's Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Scotland's domestic game has become more multicultural, with clubs hiring foreign coaches like Jens Berthel Askou at Motherwell.
The SFA should embrace this trend to bring fresh perspectives and improve the national team.
Clarke's replacement must be appointed before Scotland's Nations League campaign in September.
The team then faces a relatively straightforward path to qualify for Euro 2028 as a host nation.
The SFA has an opportunity to raise its game and prove it can make bold decisions.
By ignoring borders, it can find a manager who can build on Clarke's legacy and avoid future World Cup disappointments.
