Steve Clarke has stepped down as Scotland manager following the national team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in charge.
Clarke leaves having overseen one of the most successful periods in Scotland’s modern history. He guided the national team to consecutive European Championship finals, ending a 23-year wait for a major tournament when Scotland qualified for Euro 2020. His departure now leaves the Scottish FA searching for a successor capable of building on those foundations while leading a squad entering a period of transition.
The next manager will inherit a squad in transition. Experienced figures such as Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Craig Gordon are approaching the latter stages of their international careers, while a new generation will need to emerge if Scotland are to remain competitive.
With that in mind, here are seven names who could be considered.
Ange Postecoglou
If Scotland were looking to make a statement appointment, Ange Postecoglou would sit at the top of many supporters’ wish lists.
The Australian became a huge success during his two seasons at Celtic, winning five domestic trophies while restoring an attacking identity to the club. He later ended Tottenham Hotspur’s 17-year wait for silverware by winning the UEFA Europa League before leaving North London.
Postecoglou also has significant international experience after leading Australia to Asian Cup success in 2015 and qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
His attacking philosophy, willingness to trust young players and understanding of Scottish football would make him an outstanding candidate. The biggest obstacle is convincing him to leave club football, where he is likely to remain in demand.
David Moyes
David Moyes has been linked with the Scotland job on numerous occasions and remains one of the most respected Scottish managers of the modern era.
His managerial career spans more than two decades, with successful spells at Preston North End, Everton and West Ham United. During his second spell at West Ham, he delivered the club’s first major trophy in over 40 years by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Moyes combines tactical organisation with extensive Premier League experience and would command immediate respect within the Scotland dressing room.
The challenge would be persuading him to step away from club management while he remains highly regarded in England.
John McGlynn
Few Scottish managers have enhanced their reputation more over the past few seasons than John McGlynn.
After rebuilding Falkirk, McGlynn guided the club back into the Premiership with attractive football, strong recruitment and an emphasis on player development. His work has earned widespread praise throughout Scottish football.
Although he has no international experience, McGlynn has repeatedly shown an ability to improve players and build successful teams despite working with limited resources.
His appointment would represent a bold move by the Scottish FA, but one based on current coaching merit rather than reputation.
Alex Neil
Alex Neil has quietly built an impressive managerial career since beginning with Hamilton Academical.
He guided Norwich City to promotion to the Premier League before taking charge of Preston North End, Sunderland, Stoke City and Millwall. Throughout his career he has developed a reputation as a tactically astute coach capable of adapting to different challenges.
Neil also understands Scottish football and remains young enough to build a long-term project with the national side.
He may not carry the profile of some other candidates, but he possesses many of the qualities required for international management.
Graham Arnold
Graham Arnold brings something many candidates cannot offer, extensive international management experience.
The former Australia manager led his country to the knockout stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed sustained success during his time in charge of the Socceroos.
Arnold is recognised for creating organised, disciplined teams that perform well in tournament football. That experience could prove valuable for Scotland, whose primary objective will remain qualification for major competitions.
His pragmatic style may not appeal to every supporter, but his international record deserves consideration.
Kasper Hjulmand
Kasper Hjulmand established himself as one of Europe’s leading international coaches during his time with Denmark.
He guided Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and earned widespread admiration for both his leadership and tactical approach during a challenging period for the national team.
Hjulmand favours flexible systems, high-intensity football and strong team organisation. His experience of developing younger players would also be valuable as Scotland begin the next phase of their evolution.
Securing his appointment would almost certainly require significant ambition from the Scottish FA.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær remains one of the more intriguing names available.
Before managing Manchester United, he enjoyed considerable success with Molde in Norway, winning league titles and establishing himself as one of Scandinavia’s leading coaches.
His time at Old Trafford divided opinion, but he still guided United to consecutive top-four finishes and a Europa League final while overseeing the development of several young players.
International football may suit Solskjær’s calm approach and man-management skills, making him an interesting outsider should Scotland seek a fresh direction.
There appear to be two distinct categories of candidates.
The dream appointments are Ange Postecoglou and David Moyes. Both possess elite-level experience, proven winning records and the personality to inspire the national team, although persuading either to take the role would be difficult while financially they may be impossible to attract given the wage budget of Scotland managers in recent times.
Among the more realistic options, John McGlynn has strengthened his credentials more than anyone currently working in Scottish football. Alex Neil offers a strong blend of tactical knowledge and domestic understanding, while Graham Arnold and Kasper Hjulmand provide valuable international experience. Ole Gunnar Solskjær is perhaps the wildcard, but his coaching record suggests he should not be dismissed.
Replacing Steve Clarke will not be easy. His successor will inherit heightened expectations as well as a squad entering a new era. The Scottish FA’s decision could shape the future of the national team for the next decade.
Callum McFadden 