Spiky Steve Clarke response goes under the microscope as Scotland boss told he won't win 'friends' by being grumpy

Andy Gray reckons we shouldn't be surprised by Steve Clarke's cold response to a reporter in the immediate aftermath of Scotland's dismal 5-1 loss to Germany in Friday's Euro 2024 opener.

During the second half, TV cameras picked up Scotland boss Clarke involved in a hot-headed exchange with a member of his backroom staff, set piece coach Austin MacPhee. In the post-match press conference after the game, Clarke was asked about the incident, but scoffed at the reporter's query, replying: "Is that a serious question?"

The 60-year-old's reaction has not gone down well in some quarters, with ex Dark Blues and Rangers forward turned pundit Gray suggesting a more open and experienced coach would have dealt with the situation in a different manner. Asked by BEIN Sports anchor Richard Keys if he believes Clarke is deliberately provocative in his approach to the media, he said: "I'm not so sure it was aggression but wasn't endearing himself to the reporters who were asking the questions.

"Steve is like that. He has a reputation of being dour, uncompromising and not giving a lot. That has certainly fuelled that reputation last night. It wins you no friends."

Gray, 68, who was infamously sacked by Sky Sports in 2011 following allegations of sexism, added: "It's just after the game where we have been hammered, so he's not in the best mood. But a more experienced coach would have handled it differently in my opinion. He is experienced but a more open coach would have handled it differently.

"I agree with you that he didn't handle it great but if he had his time over again would he handle it differently? I don't know. This is his nature and how he has been portrayed as Scotland manager since the day he took over. Dour, miserable and