He'll go down in history as one of the country's most successful ever managers but Clarke is RIGHT to step aside now that another campaign has ended in embarrassment and with a deep sense of regret

Ultimately his caution cost him... and us

- KEITH JACKSON

HE should be thanked for his services and achievements in the job over the course of these last seven years.

But right now it all feels a bit too raw. A bit too soon.

There is no doubt Steve Clarke did the honourable thing when he stepped down as Scotland manager on Saturday night following this latest no-show at a major finals.

With four years left on a newly signed contract which was strong-armed out of the SFA before the World Cup began, he could have sat around until he was asked to leave the premises and paid up in full.

It's understood the exit he thrashed out with chief executive Ian Maxwell and president Mike Mulraney sees him give up a six-figure sum to step down. But it does feel very much as if an early exit strategy had been ironed out and agreed well in advance of the shock announcement.

Clarke knew he was going. So did his bosses. They just kept it quiet until Scotland's fate at this tournament had been sealed by results unfolding elsewhere.

That Clarke had already prepared and penned his own resignation statement in advance of the inevitable sorry ending is as clear an indication as any that his mind was already made up.

And yet, as much as this clean break is absolutely necessary and most probably pre-agreed by all parties, there's something about Clarke's decision to suddenly throw in the towel which feels almost like a bad-tempered, knee-jerk reaction.

Let's be blunt here. He has not handled himself impressively over the last four weeks.