Steven Naismith, the current Scotland assistant manager, has hinted that he will stay involved with the national side no matter who succeeds Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old was first appointed to the backroom staff in August 2025 and has been a key figure during Clarke’s World Cup qualifying campaign and the subsequent tournament this 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 the team’s exit from the World Cup.
Naismith, who previously enjoyed a spell as head coach at Heart of Midlothian, has been mentioned as a possible successor, but he stressed that his primary aim is to do whatever is required to move Scottish football forward. "Working with the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable experience for me," he told Sky Sports News. "All the conversations I’ve had have centred on the fact that I’ll continue to be involved in some capacity.
The next manager needs to bring a degree of experience because we are at a pivotal moment for the national association." He went on to explain that the appointment must be made by someone capable of building on the foundations already laid. "I’m prepared to help wherever I’m needed – that’s been my stance for the past two or three years. I’ve been heavily involved in coach education, I’ve completed my UEFA Pro Licence, and I feel I have a solid skill set that can add value across a range of areas.
If the short‑term plan requires me to step in, I’ll do it, because I want Scotland to reach its full potential," Naismith added. 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 acknowledged Moyes’ reputation, he dismissed the notion that the Everton manager would be the next Scotland boss.
"David Moyes is arguably one of the finest Scottish managers our country has produced," the former Toffees striker said. "He’s in a brilliant position at the moment – arguably his ideal role. To be honest, I think it’s unlikely he’ll make the switch now. Everton are in a rebuilding phase, similar to when he first took charge there.
So while he’s a fantastic manager and I expect to see him in the Scotland dugout before he retires, the timing just doesn’t line up at the moment." Scotland’s next fixtures arrive in September with the start of the Nations League campaign. SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said the board wants to appoint a new manager "as soon as we can", but he stressed the importance of getting the right person rather than rushing the decision. 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 first encounter under the new coach will be an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more fixtures within a two‑week span. The six‑game group stage will be wrapped up 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 be competing in League B for the current cycle. Looking ahead, the incoming manager will be tasked with guiding Scotland toward the joint UK‑Ireland Euro 2028 tournament and, further down the line, the 2030 World Cup. The role therefore carries both immediate pressure – delivering results in the Nations League – and long‑term strategic responsibility for the nation’s footballing trajectory. Naismith’s comments suggest he is comfortable remaining a part of the setup, whether that means continuing as assistant, stepping up as interim, or eventually taking the helm.
His experience as a former professional player, his recent coaching qualifications, and his involvement in the SFA’s education programmes give him a broad base from which to contribute. Regardless of the final decision, the Scottish FA appears determined to choose a candidate with sufficient experience to navigate the critical period ahead, while also ensuring continuity for the players who have just come through a World Cup campaign. Fans can look forward to seeing how the selection process unfolds over the coming weeks, and whether Naismith’s willingness to stay on board translates into a more permanent role or simply reinforces the backroom staff as the new manager settles in. The upcoming Nations League matches will provide the first real test for whoever takes charge, setting the tone for Scotland’s ambitions in the next few years.
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