Steven Naismith, the current assistant manager of the Scotland national side, says he expects to stay involved with the team regardless of who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke as head coach. The 39‑year‑old was promoted to the assistant role in August 2025 and has been working alongside Clarke throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign and the tournament that followed 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 spent time as the 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 needed to move Scottish football forward.
"Being part of the SFA over the past few years has been a genuinely rewarding experience for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News. "All the conversations I've had have centred on the fact that I will remain involved in some capacity.
The next manager must bring a certain level of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the national association." He went on to stress the importance of continuity and expertise. "I think the appointment needs someone who can build on what has already been achieved," he said. "I am ready to help wherever I am needed, and that has been my stance for the last two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education and his recent acquisition of the UEFA Pro Licence, arguing that these qualifications give him a useful skill set for the national team.
"I have spent a lot of time on the education side of coaching and have completed my pro licence, so I feel I can contribute across a number of areas," he explained. "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 senior job are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and David Moyes. While Moyes is frequently linked with the vacancy, Naismith does not expect his former Everton boss to take the reins.
"David Moyes is one of the finest Scottish managers the country has produced," Naismith said. "He is currently in a brilliant position at Everton – arguably his perfect job at the moment. If I am honest, I think it is unlikely he will move to Scotland now because Everton is undergoing a major rebuild, similar to the situation when he first took charge there. That said, he is a fantastic manager and I am confident that before he retires we will see him in the Scotland dugout." Scotland’s next competitive fixtures arrive in September when the nation resumes its Nations League campaign.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said the board wants to appoint a new head coach "as soon as we can," but he also stressed the importance of getting the right person for the role. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the association may opt for an interim manager to steer the side through the opening games.
The new boss, whether interim or permanent, will face a busy schedule. Scotland’s first Nations League match is an away fixture against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more games within a two‑week window. The six‑match group stage will be completed over roughly three months, culminating in a final encounter with Switzerland on 16 November.
Scotland were relegated from League A after losing a play‑off to Greece last year and will therefore compete in League B for this cycle. The upcoming manager will be tasked with guiding the team back up the hierarchy, with an eye on the co‑hosted Euro 2028 tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and ultimately the 2030 World Cup. Beyond the tactical and strategic challenges, Naismith believes his broader experience can aid the transition.
He has been involved in youth development programmes, scouting networks, and the implementation of modern training methodologies across the SFA’s elite pathways. His familiarity with the senior squad, combined with his coaching credentials, positions him as a valuable asset during any managerial change. While the speculation surrounding Moyes continues, Naismith’s comments suggest that the focus remains on continuity, experience, and the long‑term health of Scottish football. Whether he steps into the top job or continues in a supportive capacity, his willingness to adapt and his commitment to the national team are clear.
Fans can look forward to the Nations League fixtures beginning in September, and the SFA will aim to finalize a permanent appointment that can deliver progress and stability. The next manager will inherit a side eager to bounce back from relegation, with the ambition of qualifying for Euro 2028 on home soil and eventually competing on the world stage. In the meantime, the Scottish football community is encouraged to stay engaged, follow the upcoming matches, and support the team as it navigates this transitional period.