Steven Naismith, who currently serves as the assistant manager for the Scotland national team, has indicated that he intends to stay involved with the side regardless of who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke as head coach. The 39‑year‑old former striker was appointed to his assistant role in August 2025, joining Clarke’s staff during the qualification campaign for the World Cup and remaining on the bench throughout the summer tournament. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is now in the process of compiling a shortlist of candidates to replace Clarke, who announced his departure shortly after the team’s exit from the World Cup – a decision that came just a month after he signed a fresh four‑year contract. While Naismith’s name has surfaced in the media as a possible successor, he has consistently stressed that his primary aim is to do whatever is required to advance Scottish football, rather than focusing on personal ambition.
"Being with the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News. "The conversations we’ve had have all centred around the fact that I’ll be involved somewhere in the future. The next manager needs to bring a degree of experience because we are at a pivotal juncture for the national association." He went on to elaborate on the type of profile he believes the new boss should have. "I think the appointment has to be someone with a solid track record who can build on what has already been achieved.
For my part, I’m ready to help wherever I’m needed – that’s been my stance for the past two or three years. I’ve been heavily involved in coach education, I’ve completed my UEFA Pro Licence, and I feel I have a range of skills that can add value across a number of areas. Whatever the short‑term requirement is, I’ll embrace it, because my goal is to make Scotland as strong as possible." Among the names being floated for the top job are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes.
Naismith, however, does not expect Moyes to take the helm. "David Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the former Toffees forward said. "He’s in a brilliant position at the moment – probably his perfect job. To be honest, I think it’s unlikely he’ll move because Everton is undergoing a major rebuild, similar to the situation he faced when he first arrived.
That said, he’s a fantastic manager and I’m confident that before he retires we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout." Scotland’s next competitive fixtures arrive in September, when the team begins its Nations League campaign. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has expressed a desire to appoint a permanent manager "as soon as we can," but he emphasised that selecting the right candidate is paramount. If a long‑term appointment cannot be secured before the September matches, the SFA may opt for an interim manager to steer the side through the opening games. The first Nations League tie is an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more fixtures over a two‑week span.
The six‑game group stage will be completed within a three‑month window, culminating in a final match against Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will therefore compete in League B for this season. The incoming manager will inherit the task of guiding Scotland through the Nations League, aiming to secure promotion back to League A and to build momentum toward the joint UK‑Ireland Euro 2028 tournament, which Scotland will co‑host. Looking further ahead, the new boss will also be expected to lay the groundwork for a successful qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Beyond the immediate coaching considerations, Naismith’s broader contribution to Scottish football includes his work on developing coaching standards and his recent completion of the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification in Europe. This background equips him with a deep understanding of modern tactical trends, player development pathways, and the administrative aspects of running a national programme. While speculation continues about who will ultimately replace Clarke, the consensus among pundits and SFA officials is that the successor must possess both experience and a clear vision for the future.
Whether the role goes to a seasoned international manager like Benítez, a domestic figure such as John McGlynn, or perhaps a surprising choice from outside the traditional pool, the priority remains the same: to restore Scotland’s standing on the international stage and to nurture a generation of players capable of competing at the highest level. In the meantime, Naismith’s commitment to the national team remains steadfast. He has indicated that, irrespective of the final decision, he will continue to support the side in any capacity that benefits the country’s footballing ambitions.
His willingness to adapt – whether that means staying on as assistant, stepping into a head‑coach role, or contributing behind the scenes – underscores his dedication to the cause and reflects the collaborative spirit that the SFA hopes to maintain throughout this transitional period. Fans can look forward to seeing Scotland back in action soon, with the Nations League matches offering a platform for the new manager to showcase their approach and for the squad to demonstrate resilience after a challenging World Cup exit.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial in shaping the direction of Scottish football for the next several years, and all eyes will be on the SFA as it makes one of its most consequential appointments in recent history. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.