Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland’s assistant manager, has indicated that he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old was appointed to the assistant post in August 2025 and has worked alongside Clarke throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign and the summer tournament that followed.
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 in the media as a possible successor, but he has stressed that 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 really enjoyable experience for me," he told Sky Sports News. "The conversations I’ve had have all centred on the fact that I’ll be involved in some capacity. The next manager needs to have a degree of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the association." He went on to explain that the incoming boss must be capable of building on the foundations already laid. "I think the appointment has to be someone with a bit of experience who can progress what has been done," Naismith said.
"I’m ready to help wherever I’m needed – that’s been my stance for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education, noting that he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and believes his background equips him to contribute across a range of areas. "I’ve done a lot on the coaching education side, earned my Pro Licence, and I feel I have skills that can add value," he added. "Whatever short‑term role I’m asked to fill, I’ll take it because I want Scotland to be as strong as possible." Among the names being floated for Clarke’s replacement 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 one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the ex‑Everton forward said. "He’s in a brilliant role at the moment – probably his perfect job. If I’m honest, it’s unlikely he’ll move because Everton is in a rebuilding phase, similar to when he first took charge there.
So that scenario seems improbable, although he’s a fantastic 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 resumes its Nations League campaign. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said the board hopes to appoint a new manager "as soon as we can," but he stressed that finding the right candidate is paramount. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the association may opt for an interim manager to guide the side through the opening games.
The new boss will face an immediate test away to Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three further matches within a two‑week window. The six‑game group stage will be completed over three months, concluding with a trip to Switzerland on 16 November. Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will compete in League B for this cycle. Looking ahead, the incoming manager will be tasked with steering Scotland toward the UEFA European Championship that will be co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2028, and then setting the stage for a World Cup qualification campaign four years later.
Naismith’s comments suggest that, regardless of the final appointment, the SFA values continuity and experience. His willingness to contribute in any capacity – whether as a coach educator, tactical advisor, or interim caretaker – underscores his commitment to the national project. As the search for Clarke’s successor intensifies, the focus remains on securing a leader who can blend experience with fresh ideas, sustain the progress made over recent years, and ultimately deliver Scotland’s ambitions on the European and global stages. Fans can stay updated on the developments and upcoming matches through the SFA’s official channels, and the organization continues to explore options that will best serve the national team’s long‑term success.