Ange Postecoglou leads next Scotland manager odds after Clarke exit
Ange Postecoglou is the clear betting favourite to succeed Steve Clarke as Scotland manager, with Skybet pricing the former Celtic and Tottenham boss at 2/1 after Clarke confirmed he would leave following the Scotland national football team's World Cup group-stage exit. David Moyes sits at 7/2, with Roberto Martinez at 4/1. The vacancy opened immediately after Scotland's elimination, and bookmakers have already reshaped the market around a handful of high-profile names.
Clarke announced his departure from the Hampden Park post last week after Scotland were knocked out of the World Cup. The 62-year-old had taken charge in 2019 and guided the Tartan Army to the European Championship twice before the World Cup, ending almost 30 years without qualifying for a major tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Ange Postecoglou's odds have been cut from 5/1 to 2/1 with Skybet, making him the frontrunner for the Scotland job.
- David Moyes (7/2), Roberto Martinez (4/1), John McGlynn and Alex Neil (both 11/2) are among the other names in the betting.
- SFA chief Ian Maxwell says interest has already arrived and the search will cast the net as far and wide as possible.
- Scotland scored just one goal and managed seven shots on target across three World Cup group games under Clarke.
- If Moyes takes the Scotland role, Everton could face their own manager search, with Lee Carsley linked as a potential replacement.
Why did Steve Clarke leave the Scotland job?
Clarke confirmed he would step down after Scotland's World Cup exit was confirmed. Yahoo Sports UK reported that the side scored only one goal and produced seven shots on target across their three group matches, with Clarke's approach often criticised as conservative and safety-first in possession.
Despite the tournament disappointment, Clarke leaves having restored Scotland to major tournaments. He took over in 2019 and led the Tartan Army to the European Championship twice before the World Cup, ending almost 30 years without qualifying.
Who leads the next Scotland manager betting odds?
According to The Herald, Postecoglou had quickly been priced at the lowest odds after Clarke's announcement. The Australian's price was slashed from 5/1 last weekend to 2/1 with Skybet, cementing his status as frontrunner.
Postecoglou has been out of work since Nottingham Forest sacked him in October after eight games without a win, but his earlier stints at Celtic and Tottenham remain central to the debate. At Celtic he won the Scottish Premiership twice, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup twice, recording 83 wins from 113 matches.
Behind Postecoglou, David Moyes is priced at 7/2, Roberto Martinez at 4/1, and Alex Neil and Falkirk boss John McGlynn at 11/2 each. Scotland assistant Steven Naismith is at 15/2, Celtic legend Scott Brown at 10/1 and Darren Fletcher at 12/1. Yahoo Sports UK noted one major bookmaker had previously listed Postecoglou at 3/1, with McGlynn at 5/1 and Moyes at 6/1.
Could David Moyes swap Everton for Scotland?
Moyes emerged as an early favourite for the Scotland role and remains firmly in the frame at 7/2. Goodison News reported that the Everton boss has been touted as an option for the national team job, which became available after Scotland's dismal World Cup campaign.
Moyes has stabilised Everton since returning to the dugout in 2025, steering them away from relegation trouble. However, if he decides to take the Scotland post, Everton's hand may be forced into finding a replacement, with Lee Carsley's work with England's Under-21 side putting him in the frame at Goodison Park.
What happens next for the SFA?
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has said candidates have already stated their interest. He told reporters he had woken up to messages from people interested in the job and described the role as a really attractive one, pointing to Scotland co-hosting Euro 2028.
Maxwell added that nothing is off the table and the SFA will cast the net as far and wide as possible. It is about getting the right coach, he said, not necessarily where they come from. For more on how football stories are reshaping the news cycle, see our Bizarre World coverage.