It has been a brutal, but sorry exit for Scotland on their return to the World Cup stage.
Celtic duo Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston headed to the United States of America with their hopes high and boyhood dreams being lived, but it has come crashing down pretty quickly.
Moments after Scotland’s World Cup exit was confirmed on Saturday, Steve Clarke, who had signed a new four-year contract before the tournament began, handed in his resignation, and now the Tartan Army are looking for a new hero to follow.
One man who has been doing punditry work for ITV at this summer’s World Cup has been Ange Postecoglou, and 67 Hail Hail listed five reasons why the Scottish FA must consider him as Clarke’s replacement.
Ange Postecoglou as Scotland’s next manager. What do you think? 🤔
If not Ange, name your other options….🏴👇
Style of play
If there is one stick Clarke has repeatedly been beaten with throughout his seven-year tenure as Scotland manager, it is his style of play.
Many have argued that Clarke’s deeply pragmatic, suffocating, and risk-averse style has held Scotland back, including on their first World Cup return in 28 years.
This is where Postecoglou comes into the picture!
From his fullbacks playing like number tens to being deeply invested in an attack-first mentality above anything else, if Scotland fans want entertainment, then Postecoglou can and will provide it in bucket loads.
As Postecoglou once said, ‘I just copy, Pep, mate.’
International experience
The Greek-born Australian began his managerial career down under in 1994, before that road led him to become Australia’s main coach on the international stage.
The 60-year-old led the senior side for four highly eventful years between 2013 and 2017, managing them at the 2014 World Cup and successfully qualifying for the 2018 edition, though he resigned before the tournament began in Brazil.
That experience makes him even more valuable to Scotland wanting to take that next step.
| Australia national team games | Wins | Draws | Defeats | Trophies |
| 49 | 22 | 12 | 15 | 1 |
Understanding of the Scottish game
In 2021, Celtic, having watched Rangers lift the Premiership title, turned to the lesser-known Postecoglou to try and turn their ship around.
Not only did he do that, but he did it in a way that is still being talked about today. Postecoglou spent two seasons in Scotland, including winning the Treble.
He has an understanding of the Scottish game, including giving Scotland’s next rising star, Ben Gannon-Doak, his debut as a 16-year-old.
Once again, another tick in the Postecoglou box.
| Celtic games | Wins | Draws | Defeats | Goals scored | Goals conceded |
| 113 | 83 | 12 | 18 | 284 | 108 |
Postecoglou’s handling of the media
It was a bitter end for Clarke. One of the things he was criticised for was his handling of the media, especially after the defeats to Morocco and Brazil.
Perhaps Clarke, although it’s understandable that he was frustrated and angry, should have fronted up a lot more and answered questions.
Once again, Postecoglou is pure entertainment when it comes to the media. He will take on anything and everyone on, regardless of whether you like his methods or not.
In September 2024, when Tottenham were struggling under Postecoglou, he came out and told the world, ‘I win in my second season’, and many months later, he did just that by helping them lift the Europa League.
Best and most realistic foreign option
It’s going to be interesting to see if the SFA go down the road of a Scottish coach or a foreign coach.
If they want to appoint somebody Scottish, then someone like current Everton boss David Moyes will probably become the favourite.
But if they do decide to go down the foreign road, then from a realistic standpoint, there probably isn’t anyone better to appoint than Postecoglou.
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