Two of the biggest talking points in Scottish football right now sit side by side: the future of national team manager Steve Clarke, and a Premiership play-off final that could reshape the top flight for next season. The BBC's Scottish Football Podcast has tackled both head-on, and there is plenty to chew over.

Clarke Closing In on a Stay?

The noises out of the Scotland camp are growing more encouraging for supporters who want continuity at the top. Steve Clarke, who has been in charge of the national team since 2019, appears closer to extending his stay rather than walking away when his current deal expires. Nothing is confirmed as yet, but the direction of travel seems positive for those keen to keep the manager who guided Scotland back to major tournament football after years in the wilderness.

Clarke's tenure has had its highs and lows. He took Scotland to Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, breaking a long absence from the international stage, but results at the tournaments themselves left a portion of the support wanting more. A decision on his future has been building for some time, and it looks as though the Scottish Football Association and Clarke are edging towards an agreement rather than a parting of the ways.

Should a new deal be confirmed, it would give the squad a settled base heading into the next cycle of qualifiers. The market had reflected some uncertainty around his position, but the mood appears to have shifted.

Partick Thistle vs St Mirren: A Play-Off Final With Real Stakes

Closer to the immediate weekend, attention turns to the Premiership play-off final, with Partick Thistle hosting St Mirren in a tie that carries huge consequences for both clubs.

Partick are chasing a return to the Scottish Premiership, having spent recent seasons outside the top flight. Home advantage at Firhill gives them something to work with, and the backing of a partisan crowd could prove decisive across the two legs. The Jags know what is at stake — promotion would represent a significant moment for the club and its supporters.

St Mirren, meanwhile, are fighting to preserve their Premiership status. The Buddies finished in the relegation play-off position and now face a determined Championship side determined to take their place. It is the kind of fixture that defines seasons and, in some cases, shapes clubs for years.

The tie has the ingredients of a tense, attritional affair. Both sides will be acutely aware that margins are slim and that individual moments — a set piece, a moment of quality, a goalkeeping error — can swing a tie like this entirely.

What to Watch For

  • Clarke's contract update: Any official announcement from the Scottish FA would land as major news. Watch for statements in the coming days.
  • First-leg atmosphere: Partick's home support will be desperate to build an advantage, and the atmosphere at Firhill is expected to be electric.
  • St Mirren's experience: Top-flight experience counts in play-offs, and the Buddies will look to use theirs to stay composed under pressure on the road.

Scottish football rarely does quiet, and this particular week serves up two storylines that will dominate the back pages north of the border. Whether it is Clarke putting pen to paper or Partick or St Mirren booking their place in next season's Premiership, something significant feels close.

Frequently asked

Is Steve Clarke staying as Scotland manager?
Reports suggest Clarke is edging towards extending his stay as Scotland boss, though no official announcement has been made. The noises coming out of the Scottish FA appear positive about a new deal.
When is the Scottish Premiership play-off final between Partick Thistle and St Mirren?
The Premiership play-off final sees Partick Thistle hosting St Mirren, with the first leg taking place at Firhill. Check the official Scottish FA or club websites for confirmed kick-off times.
What happens to the loser of the Partick Thistle vs St Mirren play-off?
The loser of the two-legged play-off final misses out on top-flight football. For St Mirren, defeat means relegation from the Premiership; for Partick Thistle, it means staying in the Championship for another season.