Steven Naismith’s return to Scottish Premiership now on the cards as announcement made
Steven Naismith is in the running for the Kilmarnock job after Stuart Kettlewell was sacked on Monday.
Kettlewell and Wilfried Nancy were leading the race for the sack, with the former now having won out against the Frenchman.
Celtic hired Nancy less than two weeks ago, but the former Columbus Crew head coach is already under intense pressure.
The Bhoys have lost all three of their games under the 48-year-old, including the Scottish League Cup final against St. Mirren on Sunday.
St. Mirren beat Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park, with Jonah Ayunga’s second-half brace proving too much for Nancy‘s team.
Kris Doolan leads Steven Naismith in Kilmarnock race
Kilmarnock hired Kettlewell in May following the departure of Derek McInnes to Hearts. The 41-year-old was available after resigning at Motherwell in January, despite a positive stint.
But Killie have never gotten going under the Scot, winning just two of their 17 Scottish Premiership games this season.
After a run of 10 games without a win, including eight losses, the club confirmed on Monday that they would be parting ways with Kettlewell.
| Stuart Kettlewell | Kilmarnock |
| Wins | 6 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Scored | 34 |
| Conceded | 44 |
In a statement, the club’s board said that “change is now required to best serve the interests of Kilmarnock FC,” and thanked the former midfielder and assistant Stephen Frail for their efforts.
Naismith, who spent time with Rangers, Everton and Hearts, has now been named in the running for the vacant managerial position.
The 39-year-old retired from his playing days in 2021, later taking over at Hearts in 2023.
The former Scotland international would lead the Jam Tarts for just a year before he was sacked following eight consecutive defeats across all competitions at the start of the 2024-25 season.
One major bookmaker has handed Naismith 4/1 odds of taking over at Kilmarnock, with the Scot led by Kris Doolan (3/1), who has taken over on an interim basis following Kettlewell’s departure.
Kilmarnock confirmed on Monday that Doolan will take charge “while a process gets underway to appoint a permanent manager.”
Naismith faces huge decision should Kilmarnock opportunity arise
Scotland manager Steve Clarke brought Naismith onto his coaching staff following the Scot’s retirement in 2021.
But the former Everton man would not go to the 2024 European Championship, instead taking the Hearts job when the opportunity came.
Naismith has since returned to Clarke’s team, but will face a similar decision should Kilmarnock make an approach. Return to club management, or go to the World Cup with Scotland.
Speaking to the Scotsman in September, the 39-year-old reflected on the decision and said: “Listen, these are these moments in football that come along and you’ve got to make the decision. I made it.”
The big question now, is whether Naismith is prepared to make that big decision again.