Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager after deciding the time was right to step aside following the nation's World Cup exit, despite signing a new four-year contract just a month ago.
The Scottish FA confirmed Clarke's departure on Saturday, moments after Croatia's victory over Ghana mathematically ended Scotland's hopes of reaching the last 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
Reports say that Clarke informed his players of his decision while the squad remained at their Charlotte training base, with the 62-year-old undergoing a change of heart after Scotland's disappointing campaign in the United States.
Although he had only recently committed his future to the national team, Clarke ultimately concluded it was the right moment to bring his seven-year reign to an end and allow a successor to lead Scotland into the next chapter.
Scotland's World Cup began on a positive note with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in Boston, raising hopes of a memorable tournament.
John McGinn scored the only goal on that occasion.
However, it remained their sole strike of the tournament as Clarke's side failed to build on that encouraging start.
A 1-0 defeat to Morocco was followed by a heavy 3-0 loss to Brazil in Miami, leaving Scotland relying on results elsewhere to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager after deciding the time was right to step aside following the nation's World Cup exit, despite signing a new four-year contract just a month ago
|GETTY
Scotland had enjoyed a positive start to the World Cup with a narrow win over Haiti
| REUTERSThose slim hopes disappeared on Saturday when Croatia defeated Ghana, confirming Scotland's elimination from the competition.
Despite reaching a first World Cup since 1998, Scotland once again struggled to make an impact at a major tournament, with the Haiti victory proving their only win across three major finals under Clarke.
In an emotional farewell statement, Clarke paid tribute to the players who helped transform Scotland's fortunes during his tenure.
"The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn't have had any of the memories that we've accumulated from 2019 until now," he said.
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"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer.
"Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."
Clarke took charge in 2019 with Scotland having spent more than two decades absent from major tournaments following their appearance at the 1998 World Cup.
He ended that drought by guiding the national team to consecutive European Championships before topping Scotland's World Cup qualifying group to secure a place at this summer's tournament.
While results at those finals ultimately fell short of expectations, Clarke restored belief around the national side and oversaw one of the country's most successful qualification periods in recent history.
Steve Clarke feels it is the right time to leave Scotland, with the Tartan Army now planning for a future without him
| REUTERSScottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell thanked Clarke for his contribution, insisting the achievements of the past seven years should not be overshadowed by the disappointment of the World Cup.
"While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve's seven years in charge," Maxwell said.
"From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
"We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again."