Why the new Scotland head coach has a tricky task

Why the new Scotland head coach has a tricky taskImage source, SNSImage caption, The Scotland squad are awaiting the appointment of a new head coach following Steve Clarke's surprise resignationByThomas DuncanBBC Sport ScotlandPublished11 minutes agoWhen the Scottish FA's new chief football officer Craig Mulholland starts his job this week, he faces a considerable challenge.Replacing Steve Clarke was not on anyone at the SFA's agenda a week ago, having signed him up for another four years before the World Cup.His shock resignation leaves a massive hole, and there are other issues as the men's national team considers its future at the end of the successful Clarke era.The core of this squad who qualified for three major tournaments are hitting their 30s, while young Scottish players are struggling for game time.So what is a new head coach walking into? And how big will Scotland's transition be?Core group 'not finished'Clarke was emphatic in his exit interview with the SFA that the core he developed over his seven-year spell are "not finished yet".With Euro 2028 only two years away and a favourable route through qualifying due to host status, this squad can surely go again to a fourth major finals - particularly given the expertise they have gained in qualifying campaigns.However, Scotland were one of the oldest squads at the 2026 World Cup and assembled the most experienced group in their history to try to get into the knockout stage.Of the team that started the defeat by Brazil, six were at least 30. Of the five that weren't, two were 29.Premier League players Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Ryan Christie are all past 30, while Scott McTominay is 29. They might well have a lot more to give, but the next head coach's remit will also be to bridge the transition to the next generation."Going into this tournament I think we had just about a thousand caps in the squad, which is good experience at international le...