Steven NaismithImago

Steven Naismith odds-on favourite to become Scotland manager as deal 'close'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

08 Aug 2026, 6:14 pm

Steven Naismith has emerged as the odds-on favourite to become the new Scotland manager after reports that the Scottish FA are closing in on an appointment.

The Tartan army has been searching for Steve Clarke’s successor since he resigned from his post after the nation were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Numerous names have been linked to the job, including Roberto Martinez and David Moyes.

However, Naismith’s odds of getting the job have now been slashed by one UK bookmaker down to 4/5.

The 39-year-old joined the Scotland set-up last August and was Clarke’s assistant during the 2026 World Cup.

Naismith has been expected to remain among the coaching staff no matter who was appointed, but could now be set to take the top job himself.

Scotland have interviewed a wide range of candidates

BBC Sport’s report explained that a wide range of candidates have now been spoken to over a potential appointment.

Interviews have been conducted, and an appointment is now close.

Scotland are set to be back in action next month as they take part in the Nations League, with the first game being away to Slovenia on 26 September.

If the bookies’ predictions are correct, this could prove to be Naismith’s first game in charge of Scotland.

The coach have only managed one team to date, taking charge of Hearts between 2023 and 2024 and had a 43.1 per cent win rate.

Who else is in the running to become the next Scotland manager?

Following Naismith, Martinez is the second-favourite for the role at 5/2.

The former Portugal manager left his role after the 2026 World Cup after just three years in charge.

Following this, John McGylnn and Moyes are tied as third favourites at 4/1, after solid campaigns at Falkirk and Everton last season.

Alex Neil is considered an outsider for the role at 9/1 after impressing at Millwall last season, as he got the Lions within 90 minutes from promotion to the Premier League.

However, it remains to be seen who Scotland will opt to appoint in the coming weeks as they prepare to host the upcoming 2026 European Championships alongside England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Steven Naismith