Naismith plays down David Moyes Scotland manager links
Scotland assistant Steven Naismith has played down suggestions that David Moyes will leave Everton to become the next Scotland manager. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Naismith said a move is unlikely while Moyes rebuilds the Toffees, though he still expects the former Everton boss in the national dugout before he retires.
Naismith, 39, spoke for the first time since Steve Clarke stepped down after Scotland's World Cup group-stage exit. He was appointed Clarke's assistant in August 2025 and expects to stay involved with the national team no matter who gets the top job.
The Scottish FA is drawing up a shortlist after Clarke quit roughly a month after signing a new four-year deal. Other names linked with the vacancy include Rafa Benitez, Falkirk's John McGlynn and Roberto Martinez. For more viral sports and mystery coverage, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries hub.
Key Takeaways
- Naismith says conversations with the SFA point to him remaining involved somewhere in the national set-up.
- He rates David Moyes among Scotland's best managers but thinks an Everton exit is unlikely amid a major rebuild.
- Naismith still believes Moyes will manage Scotland before he retires.
- Scotland return to Nations League action in September, starting away to Slovenia on 26 September.
- SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell wants an appointment "as soon as we can" but prioritises getting the right coach.
Will David Moyes leave Everton for Scotland?
Asked about his former Everton boss, Naismith was glowing but realistic. "David Moyes is one of the best Scottish managers, I think, that the country's produced," he told Sky Sports News.
"He's in a brilliant job at the moment, probably his perfect job," Naismith added. He called a switch unlikely because Everton need a big rebuild, similar to Moyes's first spell at the club. Still, he said he is "pretty sure" fans will see Moyes in the Scotland dugout before retirement.
talkSPORT's Alan Brazil has also argued Moyes would do a "quality job" if appointed, while noting the Everton boss is preparing for a new Premier League season that starts at home to Crystal Palace on 22 August.
What did Steven Naismith say about his own future?
Naismith, who previously managed Hearts and completed his pro licence, said the next Scotland boss needs experience at a "critical moment" for the association. "The kind of conversations have all been that I'll be involved somewhere," he explained.
"For me, I'm ready to help wherever I may be," he added, citing coach education work and a willingness to contribute in the short term. He has also been linked with replacing Clarke himself, but framed his role as supporting whoever is chosen.
When will Scotland appoint a new manager?
Maxwell hopes to name a successor quickly, yet stressed that finding the right coach matters most. If no permanent appointment is ready, an interim option remains possible before the Nations League window.
Scotland's first four group games fall in a two-week stretch from late September into early October, with the campaign finishing away to Switzerland on 16 November. The next permanent boss will then look toward the UK and Ireland co-hosted Euros in 2028 and the following World Cup.