Scott McTominay has thrown his full support behind Steve Clarke remaining as Scotland head coach beyond the 2026 World Cup, describing him as a "great man" who has fostered a unique team spirit within the squad. With Clarke's contract set to expire after this summer's tournament in the Americas, the Napoli midfielder made it clear that he hopes the Scottish FA ties down the 62-year-old to a new deal until Euro 2028, as has been widely reported.
The national team boss recently stated he wants his future resolved before the squad travels to the United States, and McTominay echoed that sentiment. "I would love that," he told BBC Scotland. "He is first and foremost a great man and, secondly, he's a great coach because he's helped us oh so much off the pitch as much as he has on it." The 29-year-old credited Clarke with granting the players freedom while maintaining discipline, highlighting the contributions of captain Andy Robertson and senior figures like John McGinn in keeping the group cohesive. Clarke has been in charge since 2019 and led Scotland back to major tournaments for the first time in over 20 years. His pragmatic style and man-management have earned widespread praise within the camp, and McTominay's words reflect a deep-seated loyalty to the man who gave him his international debut.
McTominay's endorsement carries weight given his integral role under Clarke. He has earned the vast majority of his 69 caps since the former Kilmarnock manager took charge, becoming a linchpin in midfield. The bond between the players and coach has been central to Scotland's qualification for back-to-back European Championships and now their first World Cup appearance in almost three decades.
The Scots' return to the global stage is tinged with a desire to atone for a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where they finished bottom of their group. McTominay admitted the memory still stings. "Looking back, it doesn't sit well with me," he said. "I still have that bit between my teeth where you want to try to change it this time round and I'm sure everyone in that group has the same feeling." The target is clear: advance beyond the group stage for the first time in the nation's history. The agony of that early exit has fueled a collective determination to seize the opportunity in North America, with McTominay revealing that the players have dissected what went wrong and are using it as motivation.
For McTominay, the World Cup represents the realisation of a childhood dream, one ignited by Andres Iniesta's iconic winning goal for Spain in the 2010 final. "It's those moments in football that you live for as a player," he reflected. The midfielder stressed the importance of savouring the journey, noting that a young fan would have "snapped your hand off" for the opportunity. He insists the squad must adopt a game-by-game approach to avoid making the same mistakes as in Germany.
Off the pitch, McTominay is experiencing a renaissance at Napoli, where he has become a cult hero since his transfer from Manchester United. He played a key role in helping the club secure the Serie A title last season, and the Neapolitan faithful have embraced him wholeheartedly. His move to Serie A has reinvigorated his career, with the Scotsman relishing the tactical demands and fervent atmosphere. The transition from Manchester United, where he spent his entire youth career, to Italy was seamless, and his goal contributions have been pivotal. Despite the adulation, the midfielder remains grounded, admitting he rarely ventures into the city centre and avoids social media—a trait he half-jokingly attributes to his age. "I am 29 now—a bit old school," he said, leaving the online buzz to his club and country teammate Billy Gilmour.
The surreal nature of his newfound fame was underscored when his spectacular overhead kick against Denmark, which sealed World Cup qualification, was immortalised on a commemorative Bank of Scotland £20 note. The £20 note, which features his acrobatic strike, has become a collector's item and a reminder of the night Scotland punched their ticket to the global showpiece. It is a fitting tribute to a player who has delivered on the biggest occasions for his country. McTominay described the honour as "surreal," a tangible symbol of how far Scotland has come under Clarke's stewardship.
Life in Naples has provided McTominay with a fresh perspective on fan culture. He spoke warmly of the city's passion, noting how the love for the club is "ingrained in them from such a young age" and that the supporters are fiercely family-oriented. "They look after you," he added. Yet, despite the intensity of Serie A, his ultimate ambitions lie elsewhere. "The pinnacle of football is playing at a World Cup and the Champions League," he stated, underscoring his hunger to compete at the highest levels.
As Scotland prepare for their biggest summer in a generation, McTominay's comments underscore a unified dressing room rallying behind a manager who has transformed their fortunes. Securing Clarke's long-term future would send a powerful signal of stability and ambition, setting the stage for a nation eager to write a new chapter on the world's biggest footballing platform. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.