Steve Clarke’s decision to run down his contract as Scotland national team manager opens discussions on his potential successor. Clarke will lead the country through the World Cup 2026 qualifiers hoping to reach the finals, and is then expected to bow out of Hampden Park as his deal will have expired.
There are options across the globe when it comes to the next incumbent. From Africa to Australia, many coaches of differing ages and background would be interested in coaching Scotland. Some may not necessarily be household names in this country, although some are well-known faces around the Scottish and English leagues.
We have compiled a fairly eclectic list of managers who could do a job as the next man in charge of Scotland:
9. KJETIL KNUTSEN
Age 56. Highly-rated Bodø/Glimt coach who won the Norwegian Eliteserien title in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Manager of the Year in his country in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Plays an entertaining style of football and famously led Bodø to a 6-1 win over Jose Mourinho's Roma in the 2021/22 UEFA Conference League. Coveted by a number of bigger clubs who can pay good money, which may scupper hope of him working at international level for now. | SNS Group
10. JONATHAN McKINSTRY
Age 39. Young, ambitious Northern Irishman who has already managed four different national teams - Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Uganda, and currently Gambia. His 51 per cent win ratio is the best of anyone from his country at international level. Lacks European football experience, but the Scotland job would almost certainly attract him given the chance to work in Europe - where he would be able to utilise his varied knowledge of British and African football. | Youtube
11. KASPER HJULMAND
Age 52. Coached Denmark for four years, guiding them to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024 last-16 before resigning last July. Would be a popular choice for Scotland manager and is well used to the international arena. Expertise and qualifying for major tournaments set him apart from many others, but bigger club jobs could hold more appeal. The fact he is still out of work would suggest he is waiting for the right offer. | SNS Group
12. RUSSELL MARTIN
Age 39. A former Scotland intenational defender who won 29 caps between 2011 and 2017. Martin coaches high-tempo passing football which is good on the eye. He has already managed MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton. Guided Southampton into the English Premier League last season. Might prefer to stay in club football, especially given the money on offer in England, but understands the Tartan Army and the environment at Hampden. Perhaps one for the future. | SNS Group