New deal, new beginnings & a sudden exit - Clarke's Scotland timeline

New deal, new beginnings & a sudden exit - Clarke's Scotland timelineImage source, PAImage caption, Steve Clarke's resignation was sudden and unexpectedByAmy CanavanBBC Sport Scotland in Charlotte, North CarolinaPublished11 minutes agoBySimon VincentBBC Sport Scotland in Charlotte, North CarolinaThirty-one days can whisk by in a flash. Just ask Steve Clarke.That is the time that passed between his signing of a new four-year deal and his abrupt resignation as Scotland head coach.Following Wednesday's defeat by Brazil in Miami, Scotland's World Cup exit appeared to drag on just as much as their 28-year wait to return to the biggest stage of them all.That fate was sealed just before the clock ticked into Sunday in Scotland as Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1.For just over 30 minutes, attention officially then turned to the future - what would come next for Scotland after another abject major tournament showing.Then the bombshell news hit.Though 00:30 BST on home shores, the notification from North Carolina woke everyone up. News, that some may have been thinking, but never imagining hitting the headlines.But how did we get here, though?From brazen optimism of creating history to national disappointment and managerless in 30 days, BBC Sport Scotland charts Clarke's final 31 days in charge.Clarke steps down as Scotland boss after World Cup exitPublished5 hours ago'Bye-bye, Scotland!' - Clarke's leaving letter to the Tartan ArmyPublished4 hours agoScottish Football Podcast: Clarke steps downPre-tournament optimism28 May - Clarke signs a new four-year deal, saying it was important to "plan for the future" and give "certainty ahead of the World Cup", while laying "foundations for the long term".Some questioned the timing so close to the start of the World Cup, but at least it offered some security before Scotland's eagerly anticipated World Cup return. Just 15 months beforehand, he said there was a &qu...