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 stand on the brink of falling at the first hurdle once more.
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 has left them on the periphery of elimination, with their fate likely set to be officially sealed in the next 24 hours.
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.
Successive 1-0 and 3-0 losses at the hands of Morocco and Brazil have proven to be their undoing though - 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 look to be heading home, with serious questions now being asked of a manager who was only rewarded with a bumper new deal until 2030 last month!
You'd expect Clarke should have enough in the bank to retain hold of his position in charge, even after a full post-tournament inquest has been carried out at Scotland HQ.
But fans are certainly unhappy with their nation's disappointing showing this summer, with plenty clamouring for a change at the top.
Should the unlikely happen, then who could the Scottish FA target next?
We take a look at a handful of viable potential options...
Next Scotland Manager Contenders
David Moyes
David Moyes has previously played down speculation that he could one day take charge of his country's national team, but has interestingly never entirely ruled it out.
Of course, he is currently tied into a contract with Premier League club Everton, although there has been talk that the two could part ways in the not too distant future.
Should that play out, then Moyes would likely feature prominently on the lists of those at the Scottish FA, with the 62-year-old having held high-profile positions at the likes of Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland, West Ham United and Everton.
His guile and know-how at the very highest level of the game would carry plenty of appeal, although any potential approach would likely depend upon his situation at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Kasper Hjulmand
A somewhat left-field candidate, but Scottish chiefs have proven in the past that they aren't afraid to expand their search for a new boss outside of the country.
German national Berti Vogts was handed the reigns between 2002 and 2004 and with the footballing landscape changing more and more in more recent times, with an ever growing list of foreigners taking charge of national sides, Scotland could do worse than cast their eyes over Kasper Hjulmand.
The 54-year-old Dane is vastly experienced in the game, and potentially more importantly, on the international stage too, having overseen Denmark for four years between 2019 and 2024.
During that time he led the country to the knockout stages of both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, with the former of those culminating in a run to the semi-finals.
He has recently departed Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen after just a solitary season in charge and could be tempted to turn his hand back to international management following his exploits in his home country's hotseat.
Scott Gemmill
Scott Gemmill is quietly working his way up the national team ladder having already overseen the fortunes and development of Scotland's under 17 and under 21 set-ups.
Capped 26 times by the Tartan Army as a player, Gemmill is reportedly highly-regarded by the Scottish FA and has helped shape the future of Scottish football by helping nurture talents such as Scott McTominay.
The former Nottingham Forest and Everton stalwart, who is the son of Archie Gemmill, has spent 12 years in his two managerial posts, and has previously spoken of his desire to one day take charge of the senior squad.
Gemmill's potential appointment would carry significant risk given his lack of senior managerial experience, but he would certainly represent a natural internal transition option.
Barry Ferguson
Few Scottish players boast a greater winning mentality than Rangers icon Barry Ferguson.
The 45-time capped Scottish star notched over 650 appearances across his glittering playing career, winning 15 major titles during his two spells as a player at Ibrox.
Now representing the blue half of Glasgow in an ambassadorial role, the 48-year-old has previously ventured into management with Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Allao Athletic before more recently overseeing Rangers on an interim basis prior to their appointment of Danny Rohl.
He has since confirmed he would be open to a permanent position back in football management, and could prove to be a shrewd appointment for Scotland should they seek a successor to Clarke any time soon.
