Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, has signed a four-year contract extension, meaning he will remain in place until the end of the country’s 2030 World Cup campaign. The fresh, improved terms are no surprise but the length of deal will raise eyebrows given Clarke has been in position since 2019. Should he complete the term, he will become Scotland men’s longest-serving manager.

Clarke had initially been publicly confident he would step away after this summer’s World Cup. The 62-year-old has taken Scotland to three tournaments from a possible four, with this World Cup a first since 1998. More recently, Clarke spoke of remaining in post.

The Scottish Football Association has always been agreeable to Clarke as the manager, despite disappointing displays at the past two European Championships. Scotland’s players, including Scott McTominay, have also backed Clarke to remain.

“I’m proud to continue as head coach,” Clarke said. “I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back Euros and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.

“It’s very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in the Americas this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.

“Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as head coach. It’s important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.”

Mulholland’s task is not a straightforward one. With top clubs dominating the Scottish football scene and typically not giving regular game time to young players from the country, the future looks tricky.

Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA’s chief executive, said: “During our discussions about the future we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted. The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed that road map emphasises that this will not simply be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus over the next four years.”

Scotland’s World Cup preparations continue with the visit of Curaçao to Hampden Park on Saturday.