Scotland assistant manager Steven Naismith has confirmed his commitment to the national team, stating he will continue his role regardless of who succeeds Steve Clarke as head coach. Naismith, appointed assistant boss in August 2025, worked alongside Clarke during the team’s World Cup qualification and the subsequent tournament. Following Scotland’s group stage exit at the World Cup this summer, marked by a 3-0 loss to Brazil, Clarke concluded his seven-year tenure, leaving Naismith’s future with the squad open to speculation.
Naismith’s Continued Role with Scotland
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position, Naismith has had discussions with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and is assured of his continued involvement. “The last few years have been really enjoyable for me,” Naismith shared with Sky Sports. “The conversations have all been that I’ll be involved somewhere.”
He emphasized the critical juncture Scotland faces and the need for an experienced successor to build upon the existing foundation. “The next manager has to be someone who has that experience, because I think it’s a critical moment for us as a national association. It has to be someone with that experience that can progress what has been done.”
Naismith expressed his willingness to contribute in any capacity. “For me, I’m happy to help wherever that may be. That’s always been the case over the last two or three years. I’ve done a lot on the coaching education side, I’ve went through my pro license. I do feel as if I’ve got some skills in all these areas that I can contribute. Whatever I need to do in the short term, I will do. I want to make Scotland as good as it can be.”
David Moyes as a Potential Candidate
The conversation also touched upon the possibility of David Moyes, Naismith’s former manager at Everton, taking the helm at Hampden Park. Moyes is currently considered a frontrunner by bookmakers to become Clarke’s successor. Naismith recalled Moyes signing him for Everton on a free transfer in 2012, shortly after Naismith departed Rangers following their demotion to the third tier of Scottish football.
After concluding his playing career with Hearts in 2021, Naismith reflected on his time under Moyes, featuring 35 times for him during the 2012/13 season. He believes Moyes possesses the qualities to be an excellent appointment for Scotland’s next manager. However, Naismith expressed doubt about whether Moyes would be tempted to leave his current role at Everton at this particular time.
“David Moyes is one of the best Scottish managers that country has produced,” Naismith stated. “He’s in a brilliant job at the moment, it’s probably the perfect job. If I’m honest I think it is probably unlikely [he’ll be Scotland manager], because he’s gone into Everton at a time where they need a big rebuild. It is probably similar to when he took over the first time around. I think that one is probably unlikely, but he is a fantastic manager.”
Despite his reservations about the immediate likelihood, Naismith remains optimistic about Moyes managing Scotland at some point in the future. “Before he retires, I’m pretty sure we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout.”
The Search for Scotland’s Next Manager
The Scottish FA is undertaking a comprehensive search for a new national team manager following Steve Clarke’s departure. Several high-profile names have been linked with the position in recent weeks, including David Moyes, John McGlynn, and Roberto Martinez. The appointment will be a crucial decision for the future direction of the Scottish national team.
Naismith’s confirmation of his continued involvement provides a degree of stability during this transitional period. His experience and understanding of the current squad dynamics, coupled with his coaching development, position him to be a valuable asset to the incoming manager, whoever that may be. The focus remains on identifying a leader who can build on the progress made and elevate Scotland’s performance on the international stage.
Key Considerations for the New Manager
The SFA faces the task of selecting a manager who not only possesses tactical acumen but also the leadership qualities to inspire the squad. The next appointee will inherit a team that has shown flashes of potential but needs consistent performance to achieve its goals in future tournaments.
- Experience: The consensus, echoed by Naismith, is that a manager with significant experience at the highest levels of the game is essential.
- Development: The new coach must be capable of nurturing existing talent and integrating new players effectively.
- National Association Understanding: Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities within the Scottish football landscape will be beneficial.
- Building on Success: The ability to leverage the work done by Steve Clarke and continue the team’s progression is paramount.
The managerial search is ongoing, with the SFA expected to make an announcement in due course. The decision will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike, as it will shape the immediate future of Scottish football.
