Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, says he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately replaces Steve Clarke at the helm. The 39‑year‑old former player was appointed to the assistant role in August 2025 and has worked alongside Clarke throughout the recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the summer tournament that followed. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is now drawing up a shortlist of candidates to succeed Clarke, who announced his resignation a month after signing a new four‑year contract, following Scotland’s exit from the World Cup. Naismith, who previously enjoyed a stint as head coach of Heart of Midlothian, has been mentioned in the media as a possible successor, but he insists his priority is simply to do whatever is required to move Scottish football forward.
"Being with the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News. "All the conversations I've had revolve around the fact that I will continue to be involved in some capacity.
The next manager needs to bring a certain amount of experience because this is a critical juncture for the national association." He went on to stress that the new manager must have the credentials to build on the foundations already laid. "I think the appointment has to be someone with a bit of experience who can progress what has already been achieved. For me, I'm ready to help wherever I'm needed – that’s been my stance for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education, noting that he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and believes his technical knowledge can add value.
"I've spent a lot of time on the education side of coaching, and I feel I have skills that can contribute across a range of areas. Whatever short‑term role I need to fill, I will do it because I want Scotland to reach its full potential," he said. Among the names being floated for Clarke’s replacement are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes. While Naismith praised Moyes as one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced, he does not see his former Everton boss taking the Scotland job anytime soon.
"David Moyes is a fantastic manager and currently has a brilliant role at Everton – probably his perfect job at the moment," Naismith explained. "Given that Everton is undergoing a major rebuild, similar to when he first took charge, it seems unlikely he would leave now. That said, before he retires I’m confident we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout at some point." Scotland’s next fixtures arrive in September when the nation resumes its Nations League campaign.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has urged the board to appoint a successor "as soon as we can," but he emphasized that getting the right coach is far more important than rushing the decision. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the SFA may opt for an interim manager to guide the side through the opening games.
The first Nations League tie is an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three further fixtures within a two‑week window. The six‑game group stage will be completed over three months, culminating in a visit to Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will now compete in League B for the current cycle.
The incoming manager will inherit the task of steering Scotland toward the jointly hosted UEFA Euro 2028 tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and then setting the stage for a successful World Cup qualification campaign four years later. The role, therefore, carries both immediate pressure – delivering results in the Nations League – and long‑term strategic importance for the nation’s footballing future. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Naismith’s comments suggest a willingness to contribute in a variety of capacities, from tactical planning to youth development and coach education.
His experience as a former player, combined with his recent coaching qualifications, positions him as a valuable asset for any future head coach, whether he remains as assistant or steps into a larger role. In summary, while speculation continues around who will replace Steve Clarke, Steven Naismith remains focused on serving Scotland in whatever capacity the SFA deems most beneficial.
His openness to flexible involvement, coupled with a clear commitment to the national team’s progress, underscores his dedication to the sport in Scotland. The upcoming Nations League fixtures will be the first real test for whichever manager steps into the role, and the SFA’s decision will shape the trajectory of Scottish football for the next several years.
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