Clarke reveals Scotland coaching staff shake-up as ex-Prem boss lands shock role

SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke has revealed a surprise new coaching appointment to his backroom staff.

The experienced new recruit arrives as another member of Clarke’s team departs.

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Clarke‘s Scotland staff has had a rather settled look about it over the past few years.

No2 John Carver has been in place since 2020 – a year after Clarke’s own appointment – while set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee has been in his role for three years.

Former Scotland international James Morrison joined the coaching team in June last year.

The 38-year old replaced Steven Naismith, who had just a couple of months before become Hearts‘ permanent manager.

But after 14 months, Morrison is leaving his role.

Morrison, who was capped 46 times by Scotland, departs to focus on his first team coaching position at West Brom.

The former midfielder has been working with the Baggies first team since 2020 and has been performing double duty since taking on the Scotland role.

Morrison’s Scotland position wasn’t vacant for long, however, with Clarke moving quickly to replace him.

It’s been confirmed that Alan Irvine has joined the Scotland setup.

Irvine, 66, brings with him a wealth of experience.

He was also spotted in the stands alongside Clarke taking in Sunday’s clash between St Mirren and Celtic in Paisley.

Beginning his playing career at Queen’s Park, Irvine went on to star for Everton, Crystal Palace, Dundee United and Blackburn.

Despite enjoying a successful playing career, he was never capped for Scotland.

After retiring, Irvine went on to become the academy manager at Blackburn between 1993 and 1998 before taking up the same role at Newcastle between 2001 and 2004.

Irvine quit the Toon to become David Moyes‘ assistant manager at Everton in 2004 and spent three years in the role.

Everton’s success during this period saw Irvine earn his first shot as a manager.

He became Preston boss in November 2007 and spent just over two years in the role.

Irvine then took the Sheffield Wednesday job in January 2010 but was dismissed after just over a year in charge.

He returned to Everton to head-up the club’s academy before getting a surprise chance to manage in the Premier League.

Irvine was appointed West Brom manager in June 2014 on a one-year rolling contract.

But he lasted just seven months in the role and was sacked just after Christmas.

Irvine became Norwich assistant manager in 2016 before moving on to West Ham the following year, once again linking up with Moyes.

When Moyes left at the end of the 2017/18 campaign, Irvine moved on too, but returned to the Hammers in December 2019 following Moyes’ return as manager.

Irvine moved into a technical role in 2021 and remains in post at the London Stadium.

He will continue his work with West Ham alongside his new Scotland role.

Irvine’s appointment was announced on the same day Clarke announced a refreshed-looking Scotland squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal.

It’s the first squad since Celtic captain Callum McGregor’s shock international retirement and there are plenty of new faces.

Ryan Gauld gets his first call-up at the age of 28 after a stunning run of form in MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps, while there are also places for Ben Doak and Max Johnston.

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