Steven Naismith, who currently serves as Scotland's assistant manager, says he expects 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 recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the summer tournament that followed. 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.
Naismith, who previously held a brief spell as head coach at Hearts, has been mentioned in the media as a possible successor, but he stresses that his primary aim is to do whatever is required to advance Scottish football. "Being with the SFA over the last few years has been an incredibly rewarding experience 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 moving forward. 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 new boss 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 take the progress we have made and push it further," Naismith said.
"For me, I am ready to help wherever I am needed – that has been my attitude for the past two or three years." Naismith highlighted his work on coach education, noting that he has completed his UEFA Pro Licence and has been active in developing coaching curricula across Scotland. "I have spent a lot of time on the education side, and I feel I have a useful skill set that can benefit the national team in a number of ways," he added. "Whatever short‑term tasks are required, I will step up because I want Scotland to reach its full potential." Among the other names being floated for the top job are former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benítez, Falkirk veteran John McGlynn, and former Everton boss David Moyes. While Moyes is frequently linked with the role, Naismith does not see him as a likely candidate at this stage.
"David Moyes is arguably one of the finest Scottish managers our country has produced," Naismith said. "He is currently in a fantastic position at Everton – probably his ideal role. However, given that Everton is undergoing a major rebuild, it seems improbable that he would leave now. I think it is more likely we will see him in the Scotland dugout after he eventually steps away from club management." Scotland's next fixtures arrive in September when the nation resumes its Nations League campaign.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has indicated that the association hopes to appoint a permanent manager "as soon as we can," but he stressed that finding the right person is more important than rushing the decision. If a long‑term appointment is not secured before the September matches, the SFA may opt for an interim manager to steer the side through the opening games. The opening tie of the Nations League will be an away match against Slovenia on 26 September, followed by three more fixtures within a two‑week span. The six‑match group stage will be completed over a three‑month period, culminating in a final game against Switzerland on 16 November.
Scotland were relegated from League A after a play‑off loss to Greece last year and will therefore compete in League B for the current cycle. The incoming manager will inherit a squad that is looking to bounce back from that disappointment and to lay the groundwork for future tournaments.
The immediate objective will be to secure promotion back to League A and to build momentum toward the UEFA European Championship that Scotland, along with the Republic of Ireland, will co‑host in 2028. Beyond that, the long‑term aim is to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, a milestone that would mark a new era for Scottish football. In addition to tactical and technical responsibilities, the new head coach will be expected to work closely with the SFA's development pathways, ensuring that emerging talent from the youth academies is integrated smoothly into the senior set‑up. This includes collaborating with the under‑21 and under‑19 coaches, overseeing scouting networks across the UK and abroad, and fostering a playing philosophy that reflects Scotland's traditional strengths while embracing modern, data‑driven approaches.
Naismith's own experience as a player at the highest levels – featuring for clubs such as Everton, Sunderland and the national team – gives him a unique perspective on the pressures faced by international players. His recent involvement in coaching education also equips him with the tools to mentor younger coaches and to raise the overall standard of Scottish coaching. Whether he ultimately takes the top job or continues in a supporting role, Naismith's commitment to the national team appears unwavering. He concluded his interview by reiterating his dedication: "My goal is simple – to do whatever I can to make Scotland as strong as possible, whether that means staying as assistant, stepping up as interim, or eventually taking the helm.
The important thing is that we keep moving forward together." Scotland's fans will be watching closely as the selection process unfolds, hoping that the new manager can harness the talent at hand and guide the team back to the upper echelons of European football. The upcoming Nations League matches will provide an early test for whichever coach assumes the role, and a strong showing could set the tone for the next few years of development and ambition. The SFA has also hinted at a broader strategic plan that includes investment in sports science, mental health support, and community outreach programs designed to strengthen the connection between the national team and supporters across the country.
All of these elements will form part of the new manager's brief, making the role not just about match results but about shaping the future identity of Scottish football. As the calendar ticks down to September, the pressure mounts on the SFA to make a decisive appointment. The right choice could reignite optimism among players and fans alike, while a misstep could prolong the period of uncertainty that has followed Clarke's departure. Regardless of who is ultimately selected, the consensus among insiders is clear: Scotland needs a leader with experience, vision, and the ability to unite a talented group of players around a common goal of success on the international stage.