Steven Naismith, the current assistant manager of the Scotland national team, says he expects to stay involved with the side no matter who ultimately replaces Steve Clarke as head coach. The 39‑year‑old was first brought into the senior set‑up in August 2025, serving under Clarke throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign and at the tournament itself this summer.
The Scottish Football Association is now in the process of drawing up a shortlist of candidates to take over from 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 reins at Heart of Midlothian as head coach, has been mentioned in the media as a possible successor, but he insists his priority is simply to do whatever is needed to move the national team forward. "Being with the SFA over the last few years has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News.
"All the conversations I’ve had so far revolve around the fact that I’ll continue to be involved in some capacity. The next manager must be someone with a solid amount of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the association." He went on to stress the importance of continuity and expertise.
"The appointment needs to be a person who can build on what has already been achieved. I’m ready to help wherever I’m needed – that’s been my mindset for the past two or three years. I’ve spent a lot of time on coach education, I’ve completed my UEFA Pro Licence, and I feel I have a useful skill set that can contribute across a range of areas. Whatever short‑term tasks are required, I’ll gladly take them on because I want Scotland to reach its full potential," he added.
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 acknowledges Moyes’ reputation, he does not see the Everton manager as a likely candidate for the Scotland job. "David Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the former Toffees forward said. "He’s currently in a brilliant position at Everton – probably his perfect role at the moment.
To be honest, I think it’s unlikely he’ll make the move now because Everton are in the midst of a major rebuild, similar to the situation when he first took charge. That said, he’s a fantastic manager and I’m sure we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout before he retires." Scotland’s next fixtures arrive in September, when the team kicks off its Nations League campaign. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has urged the board to appoint a new head coach "as soon as we can," but he also emphasised that finding the right person is more important than rushing the decision. If a permanent appointment cannot be secured before the September matches, the association may opt for an interim manager to steer the side through the opening games.
The inaugural tie for the new boss will be an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more fixtures within a two‑week span. The six‑game group stage will be completed over a three‑month period, culminating in a final encounter with Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland were relegated from Nations League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will therefore compete in League B this season.
Looking ahead, the incoming manager will be tasked with guiding Scotland toward qualification for the UEFA European Championship, which will be co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2028, and then setting the groundwork for a World Cup campaign four years later. The job will demand not only tactical acumen but also the ability to nurture the next generation of Scottish talent, integrate emerging players into the senior squad, and maintain the momentum built under Clarke’s tenure. Naismith’s own background positions him well for such challenges. After a distinguished playing career that included spells at Kilmarnock, Rangers, and the Scottish national team, he transitioned into coaching, gaining experience at both club and international levels.
His work on coach education and his recent completion of the UEFA Pro Licence demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, traits that could prove valuable whether he remains an assistant or steps up as head coach. In addition to his on‑field responsibilities, Naismith has been involved in strategic discussions about the future direction of Scottish football, including youth development pathways, scouting networks, and the integration of sports science into training regimes. These broader contributions suggest that his role within the SFA could evolve beyond traditional coaching duties, potentially encompassing a more holistic oversight of the national programme.
Regardless of the final appointment, the immediate priority for Scotland is to regroup after the disappointment of the World Cup exit, restore confidence among the players, and approach the Nations League with a clear game plan. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the team’s identity, establishing a tactical philosophy, and building the squad depth needed for upcoming qualification cycles. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the SFA navigates this transitional period, hoping that the new leadership will harness the talent pool, revitalize the team’s playing style, and ultimately deliver results that match the aspirations of Scottish football supporters.
The journey ahead promises both challenges and opportunities, and the decisions made now will have lasting implications for the national team’s success on the international stage.