Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, has made it clear that he intends to stay involved with the national side no matter who eventually takes over from Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old former striker was brought into the backroom staff in August 2025, joining Clarke during the campaign that saw Scotland qualify for the World Cup and later guiding the team through the summer tournament itself. The Scottish Football Association is now in the process of narrowing down a shortlist of candidates to replace Clarke, who announced his resignation a month after signing a fresh four‑year contract, following Scotland's disappointing exit from the World Cup.
Among the names circulating in the media are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk boss John McGlynn, and former Everton and Manchester United coach David Moyes. Naismith, who also enjoyed a spell as the head coach of Heart of Midlothian, has been linked to the top job, but he has repeatedly stressed that his priority is to do whatever is required to advance Scottish football. "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 have centred on the fact that I will continue to be involved in some capacity. The next manager needs to bring a certain level of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the national association." He went on to elaborate on the qualities he believes the new head coach should possess.
"The appointment has to be someone who can build on what has already been achieved and take the team to the next level," he said. "I am ready to contribute wherever I am needed, and that has been my approach for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education, noting that he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and has been active in developing the next generation of Scottish coaches. "I have a range of skills across coaching, player development and tactical analysis, and I am keen to apply those wherever they can help Scotland improve," he added.
"If the short‑term requirement is to support the new manager in any capacity, I will step up because my ultimate goal is to see Scotland reach its full potential." When asked about the possibility of David Moyes taking the helm, Naismith was respectful but realistic. "David Moyes is arguably one of the finest Scottish managers the country has produced," he said. "He is currently enjoying a brilliant spell at Everton, a role that seems perfectly suited to him at the moment.
However, Everton is in a rebuilding phase, much like when Moyes first arrived, so the likelihood of him leaving for Scotland in the near future appears slim. That said, I have no doubt that before he eventually hangs up his boots, we will see him in the Scotland dugout." Scotland's next competitive fixtures begin in September with the start of the Nations League.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has indicated that the association would like to appoint a permanent manager "as soon as possible," but he also stressed that finding the right candidate is paramount. Should the search take longer than anticipated, the SFA may opt for an interim solution to cover the September matches. The upcoming Nations League schedule sees Scotland travelling to Slovenia on 26 September for their opening tie, followed by a compact series of four games over two weeks. The six‑match group stage will be wrapped up within a three‑month window, culminating in a final fixture against Switzerland on 16 November.
After a play‑off defeat to Greece last year, Scotland were relegated from League A and will now compete in League B for the current campaign. Looking further ahead, the new manager will be tasked with steering Scotland toward qualification for the UEFA European Championship that will be jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2028, as well as setting the foundations for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign four years later. The job therefore offers both immediate challenges and long‑term strategic responsibilities.
In summary, Steven Naismith remains committed to the Scottish national team regardless of the managerial changes on the horizon. While his name continues to surface in speculation about the head‑coach vacancy, he has consistently framed his ambition as one of service rather than personal advancement. Whether he ultimately assumes a more prominent role or continues to operate behind the scenes, his focus is unequivocally on helping Scotland become as competitive as possible on the international stage.