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Scotland football team## Steven Naismith expects Moyes to take charge at some point, just not yet as he outlined his own future following Steve Clarke's departure
11:46, 29 Jul 2026
David Moyes quitting Everton to become Scotland's next manager is "unlikely," according to Steven Naismith.
But he has revealed he'll be remaining on the national team's coaching staff despite Steve Clarke's resignation.
Clarke stepped down as national team boss following a disappointing World Cup campaign in the States, where Scotland once more failed to reach the knockout stage.
The Scots mustered just a 1-0 win over Haiti, which wasn't enough to propel them into the last 32 as one of the eight best third placed teams after subsequent defeats to Morocco and Brazil.
The hunt is now on for Clarke's successor ahead of the upcoming Nations League campaign and Everton boss Moyes has been installed as the bookies' favourite.
But Naismith, who played under the 63-year-old during his first stint in charge at Goodison Park, can't see the former Celtic defender leaving Merseyside for Hampden just yet.
However, he does expect Moyes to take charge of his country at some point before he retires.
“David Moyes is one of the best Scottish managers that country has produced,” said Naismith.
“He’s in a brilliant job at the moment, it’s probably the perfect job. If I’m honest I think it is probably unlikely [he’ll be Scotland manager], because he’s gone into Everton at a time where they need a big rebuild.
"It is probably similar to when he took over the first time around. I think that one is probably unlikely, but he is a fantastic manager. Before he retires, I’m pretty sure we’ll see him in the Scotland dugout."
As for his own future, Naismith is set to stay on in his coaching role after talks with the Hampden blazers.
He added: “The last few years have been really enjoyable for me,” Naismith told Sky Sports. “The conversations have all been that I’ll be involved somewhere.
"The next manager has to be someone who has that experience, because I think it’s a critical moment for us as a national association. It has to be someone with that experience that can progress what has been done.
“For me, I’m happy to help wherever that may be. That’s always been the case over the last two or three years.
"I’ve done a lot on the coaching education side, I’ve went through my pro license. I do feel as if I’ve got some skills in all these areas that I can contribute. Whatever I need to do in the short term, I will do. I want to make Scotland as good as it can be."
David Moyes
Scotland football team
Steven Naismith
Everton FC
World Cup 2026
Steve Clarke
Nations League
Hampden Park
English Premier League