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 post in August 2025, working alongside Clarke throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign and the summer tournament that followed. The Scottish Football Association is now compiling 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 Hearts head coach, 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 part of the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me," he told Sky Sports News. "The conversations I’ve had have all revolved around 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 juncture for the association." He went on to stress that the new manager must be capable of building on the foundations that have already been laid. "I think the appointment has to be someone with enough experience to progress what has been achieved so far," 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 and his recent acquisition of a UEFA Pro Licence, arguing that these qualifications give him a useful skill set for the national set‑up. "I’ve spent a lot of time on the education side and I’ve earned my Pro Licence, so I feel I have a range of abilities that can add value," he explained.
"Whatever short‑term role I’m asked to fill, I’ll take it because I want Scotland to be as strong as it can possibly be." Other names being floated for the job include former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and David Moyes. Naismith, however, does not expect his former Everton boss to take the helm. "David Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the ex‑Toffees striker said. "He’s in a fantastic position at the moment – probably his perfect job.
To be honest, I think it’s unlikely he’ll move because Everton is at a stage where a major rebuild is required, similar to when he first took charge. So while he’s an outstanding manager, I doubt he’ll be the next Scotland boss before he eventually retires." Scotland’s next fixtures arrive in September when the nation re‑enters the Nations League. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has urged the board to appoint a new head coach "as soon as possible," but he stressed that speed must not compromise quality: "It’s essential we get the right person for the job." If a permanent appointment cannot be secured before the September window, the association may resort to an interim manager to oversee the upcoming matches.
The first game under a new boss will be an away fixture against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more matches within a two‑week span. The six‑game group stage will be wrapped up by mid‑November, concluding with a trip to face 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 the current campaign. The incoming manager will therefore have the immediate task of guiding the team back toward the top tier while also laying the groundwork for longer‑term objectives, such as the co‑hosted Euro 2028 tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the 2030 World Cup. Naismith’s comments suggest he is prepared to accept a variety of responsibilities, whether that means staying on as assistant, stepping into a caretaker role, or eventually taking the top job himself. His emphasis on experience, coach education, and a willingness to serve wherever needed reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at stabilising the national side during a period of transition.
The SFA’s decision will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as the choice of manager could shape Scotland’s fortunes for the next several years. Whether the board opts for a high‑profile international name like Benítez, a domestic stalwart such as McGlynn, or decides to promote from within by elevating Naismith, the priority remains clear: secure a leader who can blend tactical acumen with the ability to develop the next generation of Scottish talent. In the meantime, the national team will prepare for its Nations League campaign, hoping to secure positive results that could restore confidence after the disappointment of the World Cup exit.
The upcoming matches will also provide a valuable testing ground for any interim or newly appointed manager, offering a glimpse of how the squad might evolve under fresh guidance. As the selection process unfolds, the overarching message from Naismith is one of commitment and flexibility.
He wants nothing more than to see Scotland thrive, and he is willing to contribute his knowledge, experience, and newly earned coaching credentials to that end, regardless of the exact title he may hold in the future.