Steven Naismith may have publicly ruled himself out of the Scotland manager’s job, but he remains one of the leading names in the bookmakers’ market for the role. That is a sign of how limited the pool of Steve Clarke replacement candidates looks, and why the discussion around the next appointment is already narrowing in on familiar Scottish options.
Naismith, who won 51 Scotland caps and worked as part of Steve Clarke’s backroom team, has spoken to the Hampden hierarchy and made clear that he does not view a full-time role as something he has considered. Even so, his profile as a former Hearts manager and respected coach means his name has not disappeared from the conversation.
Why Naismith remains in the frame
The reason is straightforward: Scotland are searching for a successor in a market that does not appear deep. Bookmakers still have Naismith among the leading contenders, and that reflects both his standing within the game and the lack of obvious alternatives.
He is liked and respected by players, and his work in Steve Clarke’s backroom team has clearly left a positive impression. In an appointment where familiarity with the international environment will matter, that counts for a lot.
At the same time, Naismith’s own words suggest caution. He said: “In terms of a full-time role, I don't think that's something that I've considered,” before adding that “it's quite important you get the right person with good managerial experience, but who's also willing to continue making the improvements. For where we're at, I think that's the right way to go with that.”
The alternatives are not obvious
The short list of credible Scottish alternatives does not seem especially long. Mick McCarthy, Derek McInnes, Davie Moyes and John McGlynn are among the names being discussed, but the article’s wider point is that Scotland may not have a clear-cut candidate who ticks every box.
That is why Naismith’s position is so interesting. He has already shown he can be part of a high-level international setup, and he has also experienced the pressure of management at Hearts.
His spell at Tynecastle included a third-placed finish the season before his sacking, but it also ended with a difficult run this season. Hearts began with a draw and five straight defeats, then exited the League Cup at the hands of Falkirk before being knocked out of Europa League qualifying by Viktoria Plzen with two losses.
What happens next?
For now, Naismith’s public stance is clear, but the market still sees him as a serious name. That leaves the Scottish FA with an important decision: whether to push for a proven figure from a thin field, or to find a candidate who can bring a fresh direction without losing the sense of control and standards the job demands.
In a search where the credible Scottish options look limited, that balance could prove decisive.
