Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland’s assistant manager, says he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who eventually takes over from Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old was appointed to the assistant role in August 2025 and has worked alongside Clarke throughout the recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the tournament itself this summer. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) 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, a former head coach at Heart of Midlothian, has been mentioned as a possible successor, but he insists his priority is 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. "The conversations I've had have all revolved around the fact that I’ll be involved somewhere in the set‑up. The next manager needs to bring a certain amount of experience because this is a pivotal moment for the association." He went on to stress that the new boss should be someone who can build on the foundations that have already been laid.
"I think the appointment has to be a person with a solid track record who can continue the progress we’ve made," he said. "For me, I’m ready to help in any capacity – that’s been my stance for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education and his recent acquisition of a UEFA Pro Licence as evidence of the skills he can bring to the table. "I’ve spent a lot of time on the education side, and having completed my Pro Licence I feel equipped to contribute across a range of areas," he explained. "Whatever short‑term tasks I’m asked to handle, I’ll do them because I want Scotland to reach its full potential." 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.
While Naismith acknowledges Moyes’ reputation, he does not see the Everton manager taking the Scotland role anytime soon. "David Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," Naismith said.
"He’s in a fantastic position at Everton right now – probably his ideal job. Honestly, I think it’s unlikely he’ll move because Everton are in a rebuilding phase, similar to when he first took charge there.
That said, he’s a superb 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 nation begins its Nations League campaign. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said the board wants to appoint a successor "as soon as we can," but he stresses that finding the right candidate is more important than rushing the decision. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the SFA may opt for an interim manager to steer the team 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 group stage runs for three months and concludes with a visit to Switzerland on 16 November. 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. Whichever coach eventually takes the helm will inherit a project that looks ahead to the UEFA European Championship co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2028, as well as the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign. The long‑term objective is to restore Scotland to the top tier of international football and to build a sustainable pipeline of talent for future generations.
Beyond the on‑field challenges, Naismith’s comments reflect a broader theme within the SFA: a desire for continuity and collaborative effort during a period of transition. By emphasizing his willingness to serve in any capacity—whether as a tactical advisor, a mentor for younger coaches, or a liaison on player development—Naismith signals that the organization values internal expertise as much as external high‑profile appointments.
In summary, while speculation about potential candidates such as Benítez, McGlynn and Moyes continues to swirl, Steven Naismith remains focused on the bigger picture: ensuring that Scotland remains competitive, that the coaching structure is robust, and that the national team is positioned for success in the upcoming Nations League, the 2028 Euros and beyond. The SFA’s next steps will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as the choice of manager could shape the trajectory of Scottish football for years to come.