Steven Naismith, the current Scotland assistant manager, has signaled that he intends to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old was promoted to the assistant role in August 2025 and has worked alongside Clarke throughout the recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the tournament itself this summer. The Scottish Football Association is now drawing up a shortlist of candidates to replace Clarke, who announced his resignation a month after signing a fresh four‑year contract, following Scotland's exit from the World Cup.
Naismith, who previously held the head‑coach position at Heart of Midlothian, has been mentioned as a possible successor, but he stressed that his priority is simply to do whatever is required to move the national team forward. "Being part of the SFA over the past few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News. "All the conversations I've had have centred on the fact that I will be involved in some capacity.
The next manager needs to bring a degree of experience, because we are at a pivotal moment for the association." He continued, "The appointment must be someone with enough experience to build on what has already been achieved. As for me, I am ready to help wherever I am needed – that has been my stance for the last two or three years. I have spent a lot of time on coach education, completed my UEFA Pro Licence, and I believe I have a useful skill set that can add value across a range of areas. Whatever short‑term role I am asked to fill, I will embrace it, because I want Scotland to reach its full potential." Among the names being floated for the job are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk veteran John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes.
While Moyes is a frequent subject of speculation, Naismith was quick to temper expectations. "David Moyes is arguably one of the finest Scottish managers our country has produced," the ex‑Everton forward said. "He is currently in an excellent position at Everton – perhaps his ideal role at the moment. To be honest, I think it is unlikely he will move to the Scotland job right now, as Everton are undergoing a major rebuild, similar to the situation he faced when he first took charge there.
That said, he is a superb manager and I am confident that before he retires we will see him in the Scotland dugout." Scotland's next fixtures arrive in September with the start of the Nations League. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has expressed a desire to appoint a new boss "as soon as we can," but he emphasised that finding the right candidate is more important than rushing the decision. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the association may opt for an interim manager to guide the team through the opening games.
The first Nations League encounter is an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three further fixtures within a two‑week span. The six‑game group stage will be completed over three months, culminating with a visit to Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will compete in League B for this campaign. The incoming manager will inherit the task of steering Scotland toward qualification for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland, and ultimately to the 2030 World Cup.
The role therefore carries both immediate pressures – delivering results in the Nations League – and long‑term strategic responsibilities, such as developing a pipeline of talent and implementing a cohesive playing philosophy. Naismith's own background suggests he could contribute in several ways. He has accumulated coaching experience at both club and international levels, holds a UEFA Pro Licence, and has been involved in the SFA's coach‑education programmes.
His familiarity with the current squad, combined with his recent stint as Hearts head coach, gives him insight into player development pathways and the challenges of transitioning talent from the domestic league to the international stage. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, Naismith highlighted the importance of building a strong support structure around the head coach.
"We need a collaborative environment, with clear communication between the manager, the backroom staff, and the players," he explained. "That includes sports scientists, analysts, and psychologists, all working towards a unified vision." If the SFA ultimately selects a high‑profile outsider such as Benítez, the transition could involve significant changes to training methods, tactical setups, and player selection criteria.
Conversely, appointing a domestic candidate like Naismith or McGlynn might ensure continuity and a smoother integration with the existing development framework. Regardless of who takes the helm, the upcoming Nations League matches will serve as an early test of the new manager's approach. A strong performance against Slovenia and the subsequent fixtures could boost confidence and set a positive tone for the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.
Conversely, a poor start could intensify scrutiny and pressure on the appointment. In summary, Steven Naismith is positioning himself as a flexible and willing contributor to Scotland's future, whether that involves stepping up as head coach or supporting the new manager in a different capacity. While rumours about David Moyes continue to circulate, Naismith remains focused on the broader goal of advancing Scottish football, emphasizing experience, education, and a collaborative spirit as the keys to success.
The next few months will be crucial as the SFA finalises its decision and the national team prepares for a busy September schedule that could shape the trajectory of Scottish football for years to come.