Next Scotland Manager Odds: Ange Postecoglou Favourite to Replace Steve Clarke
Steve Clarke's seven-year reign as Scotland manager is over, with the SFA's most successful boss stepping down within 32 minutes of Scotland's 2026 World Cup group-stage exit being mathematically confirmed.
Attention now turns to the next Scotland manager odds, with the betting market already shaping up around the leading contenders to replace him.
Scotland’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, but Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana confirmed their elimination. Clarke then told his players he was stepping down, less than a month after signing a new deal running through to 2030.
His tournament record tells the story of a complicated legacy.
Three consecutive major tournament qualifications across Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026 made Clarke the first Scotland manager to achieve that feat, but just one win from nine games across those finals will be the figure that dominates the debate.
The market has moved quickly since his departure, with Sky Bet opening a live "Next Permanent Scotland Manager" market.
At Free Bets, we take a closer look at the leading candidates and assess who could realistically take charge of Scotland next.
Next Scotland Manager Odds
With Clarke's resignation confirmed, attention turns immediately to who replaces him.
Below we assess the most likely outcomes in the betting market.
| Candidate | Next Scotland Manager Odds |
| Ange Postecoglou | 2/1 |
| David Moyes | 7/2 |
| Roberto Martinez | 4/1 |
| Steven Naismith | 5/1 |
| Alex Neill | 11/2 |
| John McGlynn | 11/2 |
Odds correct as of Tuesday, 29 June, 9:30am - courtesy of Sky Bet
Ange Postecoglou
The favourite for the job has emerged as the romantic choice many Scotland fans are pushing for.
Ange managed Celtic from 2021 to 2023, winning five domestic trophies in two seasons, including back-to-back Premiership titles, and built a huge reputation in Scottish football during that spell.
He has been out of work since October 2025 after a brief Nottingham Forest stint ended after just 39 days, having previously won the Europa League with Tottenham.
The case for him is clear - he is available, has international experience from his Australia days, understands the Scottish game, and would bring a clear attacking identity after Clarke's more cautious approach.
The concern is his two difficult Premier League exits in the space of a year, while there has been no confirmed contact with the SFA.
Favourite at UK betting sites for now, but the market appears to be moving faster than the reporting.
David Moyes
The obvious heavyweight Scottish candidate has slipped to second in the betting after starting as the early favourite.
The reason is simple: Moyes appears settled at Everton, where he returned in January 2025 on a deal running until the end of 2026/27 and has spoken positively about his future at the club.
Asked about the Scotland job during World Cup punditry, the 63-year-old called it “a really good job” and praised Clarke’s work without ruling himself in or out.
His experience, Scottish background and Premier League pedigree make him the obvious safe-hands option, but Everton would likely need to approve any move.
He remains one of the strongest candidates, although the current price suggests a realistic possibility rather than an imminent appointment.
Roberto Martinez
The wildcard option has quickly become a serious contender in the live market.
The Portugal boss has Scottish family ties and is reportedly set to leave his role after the World Cup, with his contract expiring at the end of July.
Martinez brings plenty of international experience, having guided Belgium to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 before managing Portugal.
The question mark is his lack of Scottish football history, with the national team rarely looking outside its own borders for managers in recent decades.
However, with the SFA insisting they will cast the net widely, Martinez has moved from outsider to genuine option.
Steven Naismith
The internal option has drifted in the betting, with the focus shifting towards him potentially taking charge short term rather than permanently.
Naismith joined Clarke’s backroom team in 2025 and offers continuity, already knowing the players and the setup from inside the camp.
The SFA have confirmed an interim appointment remains possible, with Naismith among those already available.
The issue is his limited managerial record, with his Hearts spell ending in dismissal in 2024, and his involvement in the World Cup campaign that led to Clarke’s departure.
He remains the likeliest figure to lead Scotland into the Nations League opener, but the market now suggests that may only be a temporary role.
