Mr Demotivator ruins Scotland as Hotline erupts at man fans are furious at

Steve Clarke is bang in the Hotline firing line after Scotland’s exit from Euro 2024.

Defeat to Hungary ended the Tartan Army’s adventure in Germany with the team taking just one point from three matches. Clarke’s squad had a chance to make history by qualifying for the knockout stages, but blew it with a poor show in the final match in Stuttgart.

The manager’s approach to the win-or-bust contest has been scalded as James Begg emailed: “Steve Clarke must go. “Tactics against Hungary were deplorable. Never looked as if they needed to win until 80 minutes when it suddenly struck them. Hungary keeper had the easiest game of his life.” Arrin Geddes, Irvine , said: “Clarke’s cautious approach not only made for a horrendous watch, it played right into Hungary’s hands. No shots on target in a must-win game is just ridiculous. The next head coach needs to take the shackles off.”

Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, said: “Clarke’s post-match ramblings are as pathetic as his management skills. “We opened up in the last 10 minutes and it was always a one goal game just about sums his approach to every game he has managed both for Scotland and Killie. Arguably the best Scotland squad in years with the potential to have qualified, nullified by Mr Demotivator.”

Gerard Milligan, Renfrewshire, said: “Clarke got it all wrong. No tactics were discernible, Same as Gareth Southgate. He can’t fit Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham same as Clarke got nothing from John McGinn and Scott McTominay. They deserved nothing.” Brian Duff, Glenrothes, said: “Absolute rubbish. No urgency in the first half. Clarke reluctant to make substitutions. His tactics are to start playing in the 85th minute.”

Jamie Thompson, Yoker, said: “Once again, national team out of their depth, the standard of football is shocking and it’s time for Clarke to go. Enough is enough.” Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Yet again Scotland blow a chance to go to the knockout phase with a desperately disappointing performance. I’m afraid the buck stops with the manager. His tactics in the three games have been terrible. I think we need a change.” Dr Robert Pender said: “Why the manager took off Billy Gilmour and kept the slow negative Callum McGregor on is a puzzle. Sorry Mr Clarke it’s time to go. Bring in David Moyes.”

Alfie Mullin, London, said: “It was sad that we departed another major tournament early. We are used to that. What we are also used to is a change of manager after such heartache. The current numpty needs replaced immediately.”

Joe MacEachen, Coatbridge, said: “Some people think we were unlucky. The truth is our lack of quality has been obvious in each of the three games. We are a team of triers coached by a manager who does not believe in attacking football as was proven when he was at Kilmarnock and now Scotland.”

Philip Borland said: “We had one shot in injury time against Hungary, but Scotland has the worse goal record than any other team at the Euros. It’s time to get rid of the players we have got and get players who can score goals.” Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “They started out trying to create history and they will go down in history as the team playing a match in where only a win would do with one up front, with a midfield who constantly passed the ball backwards. It was a tough watch. At least we don’t have to listen to any more of Clarke’s riveting interviews.”

Lance Little, Erskine, said: “Going into the last 20 minutes and we have a player who has been having an Indian summer in the last two months with Celtic. What does the manager do? Leaves James Forrest on the bench. Unbelievably inept. We needed a goal and he could’ve provided that. Unforgivable.”

Clarke raged at Stuart Armstrong not being awarded a penalty and Andrew Adams, Kirkcaldy, said: “What’s the use of VAR if it’s only going to rule on offside or goal checks? It was as clear a penalty as you’re ever going to see.” Tim Gibbens added: “Why didn’t UEFA inform us that VAR HQ’s new location was Budapest?

Neil Renton, Leith, said: “When all is said and done Scotland just weren’t as good as they should have been at the Euros. There were times during qualifying that we were brave and went toe to toe with opponents, but when it mattered, we bottled it. The average Scottish fan had more shots at the bar than the team did during the whole competition.”

Alan MIlligan said: “Pretty much the same story in every tournament since 1978. The team and the mentality surrounding it is an embarrassment. The Tartan Army foot soldiers are happy for their week on the drink rather than any success on the park. The entirety of Scottish football is a a disgrace from top to bottom. Amateur referees, rubbish TV deals and an appalling national stadium. How can countries much smaller than us be continually better?” William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “Now it’s over, hope the Scotland fans don’t undo the good work they have done and sing, dance and drink and continue to leave Germany with those good memories.”