Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, says he expects to stay involved with the national side no matter who eventually succeeds 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 last 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. Among the names being floated are former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benítez, Falkirk manager John McGlynn and former Everton manager David Moyes.
Naismith, who previously enjoyed a brief spell as head coach of Heart of Midlothian, has also been linked with the top job, but he stresses that his priority is simply to do whatever is required to move the Scottish 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 centred on the fact that I will be involved in some capacity. The next manager needs to have a solid amount of experience because this is a critical juncture for the national association." He went on to explain that the ideal successor must be able to build 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," he said. "For me, I'm ready to help wherever I'm needed – that's been my approach for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education and his recent acquisition of the UEFA Pro Licence as evidence of the skill set he can bring to any role. "I've spent a lot of time on the education side, and having completed my pro licence I feel I have a range of abilities that can contribute to the national set‑up," he added. "Whatever short‑term tasks I may be asked to undertake, I will do them because I want Scotland to reach its full potential." When asked about the possibility of David Moyes taking the helm, Naismith was diplomatic but clear.
"David Moyes is one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced," the former Everton forward said. "He's in a brilliant position at the moment – probably his perfect job." He cautioned, however, that a move to the Scotland job is unlikely in the near future. "If I'm honest, I think that's probably unlikely, because he's currently at Everton at a time when the club needs a major rebuild, similar to the situation when he first arrived," Naismith explained. "So I think that one is unlikely, but 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 begins its Nations League campaign.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said the board hopes to appoint a new head coach "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 resort to an interim manager to steer the team through the opening games. The first encounter will be an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more fixtures within a two‑week window. The six‑match group stage will be completed over three months, culminating in 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 cycle. The incoming manager will inherit a side that aims to bounce back quickly, secure promotion back to League A, and ultimately qualify for the UEFA European Championship that Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will co‑host in 2028. Beyond that, the long‑term objective is to guide the team toward a successful World Cup campaign in 2030.
Naismith's comments suggest that, regardless of whether he is offered the top job, he sees himself as a flexible asset for the SFA, ready to contribute in coaching, development or scouting capacities. His experience as a former professional player, his brief managerial stint at Hearts, and his ongoing work on coaching qualifications position him as a valuable figure in the Scottish set‑up.
In addition to the on‑field matters, the SFA continues to promote fan engagement initiatives, such as the "Play Super 6" competition that offers a £250,000 prize and is free to enter. These programmes aim to keep the national team connected with its supporters as the new coaching era approaches.
Overall, the transition period promises to be a pivotal moment for Scottish football. The choice of successor to Steve Clarke will shape the team's tactical direction, player development pathways and overall competitiveness on the international stage for the next several years.
Whether the board selects an experienced veteran like Benítez, a home‑grown talent such as Naismith, or eventually turns to Moyes, the overarching goal remains clear: to build a Scotland side capable of competing at the highest levels and delivering success for its passionate fan base.