Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland’s assistant manager, says he intends to stay involved with the national side no matter who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke. The 39‑year‑old former striker 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 (SFA) is now assembling a shortlist of candidates to replace Clarke, who announced his resignation a month after signing a new four‑year contract following the team’s exit from the World Cup.
Among the names being floated are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes. Naismith’s own name has also been mentioned, but he stresses that his primary aim is to do whatever is required to advance Scottish football. In a conversation with Sky Sports News, Naismith said, “Being with the SFA over the last few years has been a really enjoyable period for me.
The discussions I’ve had have all centred on the fact that I’ll be involved somewhere in the future.” He added that the next head coach must bring a degree of experience, noting, “We are at a critical juncture as a national association, so the appointment needs to be someone who can build on what has already been achieved.” Naismith explained that he is ready to contribute in any capacity, drawing on the work he has already done in coach education and his recent acquisition of the UEFA Pro Licence. “I have spent a lot of time on the education side and I feel I have a skill set that can add value across several areas,” he said. “If the short‑term needs require me to step in, I will do it because I want Scotland to be as strong as possible.” While his own candidacy is being discussed, Naismith is quick to temper expectations about David Moyes taking the helm. “Moyes is arguably one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced,” Naismith acknowledged.
“He is currently in a brilliant position at Everton, which I think is his perfect job at the moment.” He went on to explain that the timing makes a move to the Scotland job unlikely: “Everton is in a rebuilding phase, similar to when he first took over, so I doubt he will leave now. However, before he retires I can see him eventually ending up in the Scotland dugout.” Scotland’s next fixtures arrive in September when the nation resumes its Nations League campaign. The SFA’s chief executive, Ian Maxwell, has indicated a desire to appoint a new manager “as soon as we can,” but he stresses that getting the right person is more important than speed.
Should a permanent appointment not be secured before the September matches, the association may resort to an interim manager to oversee the upcoming games. The September schedule begins with an away match against Slovenia on the 26th, followed by three more fixtures within a two‑week span. The group stage consists of six games played over three months, culminating in a final encounter with 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 the current cycle.
Looking ahead, the new head coach will be tasked with guiding Scotland toward the UEFA European Championship that will be jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2028, as well as preparing the side for the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign. The long‑term objective is to re‑establish Scotland as a competitive force on the international stage. Naismith’s comments underline his commitment to the national set‑up, regardless of whether he remains as assistant, steps up as head coach, or takes on a different role within the SFA’s structure. His background as a former Hearts manager, combined with his recent coaching qualifications, positions him as a valuable asset for whatever direction the association chooses to pursue.
In summary, while speculation continues around potential successors to Steve Clarke—including high‑profile names such as Rafa Benítez, John McGlynn and David Moyes—Steven Naismith remains focused on serving Scottish football in whatever capacity is needed. He emphasizes experience, continuity, and a willingness to adapt, all aimed at ensuring Scotland can progress toward future tournaments and regain its standing in European and world football.