Steve Clarke recently claimed that Scotland have never had a better chance of securing an avenue through to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Fast-forward just a couple of weeks and the Tartan Army have once again fallen at the first hurdle, and Steve Clarke has announced his resignation.
Clarke masterminded a superb qualification-winning campaign, culminating in that famous victory over Denmark at Hampden Park last September.
However, a much-maligned showing across the Atlantic in their three group games left them on the periphery of elimination, with other results confirming their fate.
Victory over Haiti was expected, but the manner of it wasn't particularly impressive. Still, the expectancy was that those three points would be enough to secure them a spot in the knockout rounds of the revamped and expanded 48-team FIFA showpiece.
However, successive 1-0 and 3-0 losses at the hands of Morocco and Brazil respectively was their undoing - with the latter of those being especially damaging to their ambitions of advancing.
This was supposed to be the year that Scotland broke new ground on the grandest stage and partook in knockout World Cup football for the first time.
Instead, the Tartan Army headed home, and Scotland are looking to replace a manager they gave a four-year contract to oin late May.
We take a look at the latest odds for who might become Clarke's successor...
bet365 trading expert Steve Freeth said: "The ink is barely dry on Steve Clarke's new contract, yet his early departure leaves Scotland searching for a successor.
"Our market focuses on who will be in charge for the Nations League clash on 26th September. Steven Naismith was our tentative favourite to lead the team against Slovenia although there has been some backing for Ange Postecoglou since then.
"It's incredibly early days however, and there appears to be a few standout candidates at this stage."
Everton boss David Moyes was an early favourite for the role, but Roberto Martinez has since surged to the head of the betting amid his pending exit from the Portugal job.
Next Scotland Manager odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
