Steve Clarke will pay for Scotland old pals’ act as Hotline calls for 'demoraliser' to resign before World Cup

Scotland's Nations League campaign ended in a Greek tragedy and the Tartan Army reckon it’s time for Steve Clarke to rip up the usual script.

The national team boss was in the Hotline crosshairs following Sunday’s shocking 3-0 defeat. And punters think it’s time for the manager to change his approach – or it will be him getting the chop.

Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “This result was always coming for Scotland. Clarke can’t get away from playing his pals, some of whom can’t even get games at their clubs. It’s time he ditched them or it will be the same old story in the future.”

Neil Renton, Leith, said: “Clarke has been loyal to too many of his players for too long and it’s costing him now. Craig Gordon has been tremendous for his county but it’s time for him to go gracefully. If I was Clarke I’d start by finding out if Hibs keeper Jordan Smith has any Scottish grandparents.”

Scott McAdam, Glasgow, said: “Time is up for Clarke now. That must be about four huge games he has blown due to his tactics and playing the old pals’ act. This is the best squad we have had in years and he is ruining it with his demoralising football.”

Jay Turbo emailed: “Clarke should have replaced Billy Gilmour with Lennon Miller, who has a track record for passing into feet and would have been a striker’s dream, and he also has a goal scoring left peg on him.

"Clarke has said he's running his contract down, that's not a good thing for a previously galvanised team to hear. As much as we've had good times with Steve, I think he should do the honourable thing and resign before the World Cup qualifiers.”

Keith Phillips, via email, said: “We are back where we belong, group B. Sunday night was a disgrace. Passing along the back is all very well but