Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, says he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old was brought into the backroom staff in August 2025 and has worked 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 held the head‑coach position at Heart of Midlothian, has been mentioned as a possible successor, but he insists his priority is simply to do whatever is required to move the national team forward.
"Being with the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me," Naismith told Sky Sports News. "All the conversations I've had revolve around the fact that I will be involved somewhere in the set‑up.
The next manager needs to bring a degree of experience because this is a critical juncture for the association." He went on to stress that the incoming boss must have the credentials to build on the foundations already laid. "I think the appointment has to be someone with a solid track record who can continue the progress we have made. As for me, I am ready to help in any capacity, and that has been my stance for the past two or three years," he added. Naismith highlighted his work on coach education, noting that he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and has been active in developing coaching pathways across Scotland.
"I feel I have a useful skill set that spans both on‑field tactics and off‑field development, and I am eager to contribute wherever the board sees fit," he said. "If the short‑term needs require me to step into a different role, I will do it because my ultimate goal is to see Scotland reach its full potential." Among the names being floated for Clarke's replacement are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk veteran John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes. While Naismith acknowledges Moyes' reputation, he does not anticipate that the Everton manager will take the Scotland job anytime soon.
"David Moyes is arguably one of the finest Scottish managers our country has produced," Naismith remarked. "He is currently in a superb position at Everton – arguably his perfect role at the moment. To be honest, I think it is unlikely he will leave now because Everton is undergoing a major rebuild, similar to the situation when he first arrived. That said, he is a fantastic manager and I would not be surprised to see him in the Scotland dugout before he retires." Scotland's next 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 stressed 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 resort to an interim manager to steer the team through the opening games.
The first Nations League encounter will be an away trip to Slovenia on September 26, followed by three more matches within a two‑week span. The six‑game group stage will be completed over a three‑month period, culminating with a visit to Switzerland on November 16. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will now compete in League B for the current cycle.
The incoming manager will inherit the task of guiding Scotland through the Nations League, aiming to secure promotion back to League A and to lay the groundwork for the country's co‑hosted UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, as well as the 2030 World Cup. Long‑term strategic planning, talent identification, and the integration of young players into the senior squad will be essential components of the new coach's mandate.
Beyond the immediate competitive schedule, the SFA is also focused on broader development goals, such as enhancing grassroots participation, improving coaching standards, and investing in women's football. Naismith's background in coach education positions him as a valuable asset in these areas, regardless of whether he ultimately assumes the top job. In summary, while speculation continues around potential candidates—including high‑profile names like Benítez, McGlynn and Moyes—Steven Naismith remains committed to serving Scotland in whatever capacity the association deems most beneficial.
His experience as a former international player, his recent coaching qualifications, and his willingness to adapt to the needs of the national team suggest he will continue to play a meaningful role in Scottish football's next chapter. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.