Next Scotland Manager Odds: Steven Naismith Odds-On Favourite to Replace Steve Clarke
Steve Clarke's departure in June saw next Scotland manager odds available, and six weeks on, the picture is becoming much clearer.
Steven Naismith has surged to the top of the market, with Roberto Martinez and David Moyes close behind.
Here at Free Bets, we take a closer look at the leading contenders, assess their chances and consider who could realistically be the next man in charge of Scotland.
Next Scotland Manager Odds
With Clarke's resignation confirmed, attention now turns to who could take charge of Scotland next, with the latest prices available across the top UK betting sites.
Below, we assess the leading contenders in the betting market and look at who's set to land the Scotland job.
| Candidate | Next Scotland Manager Odds | Bet With |
| Steven Naismith | 4/6 | bet365 |
| Roberto Martinez | 5/2 | William Hill |
| David Moyes | 4/1 | Ladbrokes |
| John McGlynn | 4/1 | Midnite |
| Alex Neil | 9/1 | Coral |
| Scott Brown | 14/1 | BetMGM |
Odds correct as of Tuesday, 11 August, 7:30pm - courtesy of Sky Bet
Steven Naismith
- Already integrated into the squad
- Understands the players & environment
- Offers stability following Clarke’s exit
- Available for the Nations League fixtures
- Hearts dismissal in 2024 was damaging
- Tainted by association with failed World Cup campaign
- Lacks the elite-level experience
Steven Naismith has emerged as the clear favourite after working within Scotland's backroom team during the World Cup campaign, with the market viewing him as the continuity choice.
He knows the squad, understands the setup and could step in without a lengthy transition, but odds-on prices leave little value unless you believe his chances of getting the job are even higher than the market suggests.
Roberto Martinez
- Elite international & European experience
- Proven tactical record & team-builder
- Available immediately
- Would signal SFA ambition
- Needs time to learn the player pool
- Not Scottish, breaking recent tradition
- Lacks the elite-level experience
Roberto Martinez became available when his Portugal contract expired on August 1 and has emerged as a genuine contender after moving from outsider to major player in the market over the past six weeks.
He could offer value if the SFA opts for proven international experience to rebuild confidence after Clarke, making him an appealing alternative to the continuity candidates.
David Moyes
- Extensive top-level experience
- Proven stabiliser
- Scottish-born with Premier League pedigree
- Immediate credibility for the national team
- Everton unlikely to approve a mid-season move
- Appointment would require negotiation & compensation
David Moyes has drifted in the betting despite being an obvious Scottish heavyweight, with Everton's resistance appearing to be the main obstacle to his appointment.
However, punters are effectively betting on Everton changing their stance rather than questioning Moyes' credentials, making the price a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the move.
John McGlynn
- Proven Scottish football success at Falkirk
- Deep knowledge of the domestic game
- Genuine home-grown option
- Able to transition quickly
- Falkirk success may not translate to Scotland
- Lacks elite-level pedigree
- Lower-profile than other candidates
The Falkirk boss has emerged as a potential dark horse, with McGlynn a credible Scottish football option despite having a thinner CV at the elite level than some of the leading contenders.
The value is debatable, as backing him effectively means believing the SFA will prioritise recent domestic success over proven international or top-level experience.
