Steven Naismith, the current assistant manager of the Scotland national side, has made it clear that he intends to stay involved with the team no matter who ultimately succeeds Steve Clarke as head coach. The 39‑year‑old, who joined the national set‑up in August 2025 and has been working alongside Clarke throughout the recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the summer tournament, believes his experience and coaching qualifications make him a valuable asset for the next phase of Scottish football. Naismith’s tenure with the Scottish FA began when he was appointed as Clarke’s deputy, a role that has seen him contribute to tactical planning, player development and the broader coach‑education programme within the association.
Over the past two to three years he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and taken on a number of responsibilities aimed at raising the standard of coaching across the country. In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, he said, "Being with the SFA over the last few years has been a genuinely enjoyable period for me. The conversations I’ve had have all centred on the fact that I’ll be involved somewhere moving forward." The Scottish Football Association is now in the process of compiling 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. The shortlist reportedly includes former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk’s John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes, among others.
While Naismith’s name has been linked to the vacancy, he has consistently emphasized that his priority is to support the new manager, whoever that may be, and to continue contributing to the national team’s progress. "The next manager needs to have a degree of experience and the ability to build on what has already been achieved," Naismith explained.
"It’s a critical moment for us as a national association, and I’m ready to help wherever I’m needed. I’ve spent a lot of time on coach education and have completed my Pro Licence, so I feel equipped to add value in a number of areas." When asked about the possibility of David Moyes taking the helm, Naismith offered a measured response.
He praised Moyes as "one of the best Scottish managers the country has produced" and acknowledged that Moyes is currently thriving in his role at Everton. However, Naismith suggested that a move to the Scotland job is unlikely in the near term, noting that Everton is undergoing a significant rebuilding phase, similar to the situation Moyes faced when he first arrived at the club. "I think it’s improbable at the moment, but before he retires I’m sure we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout," he added.
Scotland’s upcoming schedule adds urgency to the appointment process. The national team will kick off its Nations League campaign in September, with an opening away fixture against Slovenia on September 26. The six‑match group stage will be compressed into a three‑month window, concluding with a clash against Switzerland on November 16. Having been relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year, Scotland will be competing in League B this season, aiming to secure promotion and build momentum toward the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, which Scotland will co‑host with the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as the 2030 World Cup cycle.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has expressed a desire to appoint a permanent manager "as soon as we can," but he has also stressed the importance of selecting the right candidate rather than rushing the decision. Should the association fail to secure a long‑term appointment before the September fixtures, an interim manager could be installed to steer the team through the Nations League matches.
Regardless of the timeline, the incoming coach will inherit a squad that has shown resilience and talent, but also one that requires strategic guidance to compete effectively on the international stage. Naismith’s own ambitions remain rooted in the broader development of Scottish football. He highlighted his involvement in the SFA’s coach‑education pathways, noting that he has been instrumental in delivering workshops and mentoring programmes for aspiring coaches across the country.
"I’ve done a lot on the coach education side. I’ve gone through my Pro Licence on the coaching side as well, so I feel I have skills that can contribute in various areas," he said. "Whatever I need to do in the short term, I will do, because I want to make Scotland as good as it can be." In addition to his coaching duties, Naismith has previously managed Hearts, where he gained valuable experience leading a club side in the Scottish Premiership. That stint, although brief, provided him with insight into the day‑to‑day challenges of managing senior players, handling media scrutiny, and implementing a footballing philosophy—experience that he believes will be useful regardless of the capacity in which he serves the national team.
Overall, Naismith’s message is one of commitment and flexibility. He acknowledges the significance of the upcoming managerial transition and the expectations placed on whoever steps into Clarke’s shoes, but he also makes clear that his personal goal is to support Scottish football in any role that advances the nation’s prospects. Whether as a permanent assistant, a specialist coach, or even a potential future head coach, Naismith is prepared to adapt and contribute, drawing on his playing pedigree, coaching qualifications, and passion for the game.
The next few months will be pivotal for Scotland as the SFA navigates the selection process, prepares for the Nations League, and lays the groundwork for future tournaments. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see which candidate emerges as the new leader, and how Steven Naismith continues to shape the team’s journey, whether from the sidelines, the training ground, or perhaps eventually from the touchline as head coach.