Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, says he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately 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 World Cup qualifying campaign and the recent summer tournament. The Scottish Football Association is now drawing up a shortlist of candidates to replace Clarke, who announced his resignation a month after signing a new 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 to do whatever is needed to advance the Scottish team. "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 future. The next manager must have a degree of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the national association." He went on to stress that the new appointee should be someone capable of building on the foundations already laid.
"I think the appointment has to be a person with a solid track record who can continue the progress we have made," he said. "For me, I'm ready to help wherever I am needed – that has 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 setup. "I've spent a lot of time on the education side, and having completed my Pro Licence I feel I can contribute across a range of areas," he explained.
"Whatever short‑term role I am asked to fill, I will embrace it because I want Scotland to reach its full potential." Among the names being floated for Clarke's replacement are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk boss John McGlynn and, of course, David Moyes. Naismith, however, does not anticipate that his former Everton manager will be the next Scotland boss. "David Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the former Toffees striker said. "He is in a brilliant position at the moment – probably his perfect job." He added that a move to the national team seemed unlikely at this stage.
"If I'm honest, I think it's improbable because Everton is currently in a rebuilding phase, similar to when he first took charge there. So I doubt he'll make the switch now, but I have no doubt that before he retires we will see him in the Scotland dugout," Naismith concluded.
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 successor "as soon as we can," but he also stressed the importance of getting the right person for the job. If a permanent appointment is not secured before the September matches, the association may opt for an interim manager to steer the side through the opening games.
The new coach, whether interim or permanent, will face an immediate test against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by a compact schedule of four further matches within two weeks. The six‑game group phase will be wrapped up over a three‑month window, culminating 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 this season.
Looking ahead, the incoming manager will be tasked with guiding Scotland toward the Euro 2028 tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland, and ultimately toward the 2030 World Cup. The long‑term ambition is to build a sustainable, competitive side that can regularly challenge the traditional powerhouses of European football. Beyond the immediate tactical and personnel considerations, Naismith emphasised the broader cultural shift required within Scottish football.
He pointed to the need for a more cohesive youth development pathway, greater investment in sports science, and a unified playing philosophy that can be implemented from the grassroots level up to the senior national team. "We have to think about the whole ecosystem," he said. "It's not just about the senior squad; it's about creating a pipeline of talent that understands the style we want to play and can step up when called upon." Naismith also mentioned his willingness to mentor younger coaches, drawing on his own experiences transitioning from player to coach.
"I've learned a lot from the mentors I had, and I want to pass that knowledge on. If the new manager values a collaborative environment, I think I can add value both on the training ground and in the broader strategic discussions," he noted. In summary, while speculation continues around who will ultimately replace Steve Clarke, Steven Naismith remains steadfast in his commitment to Scotland's footballing future.
Whether he stays as assistant, steps into the head role, or supports the new manager in another capacity, his focus is clear: to help the national team become as strong and competitive as possible.