Roberto Martinez has emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to become the next Scotland manager following a surge in support from punters. The Spaniard, who recently left his role as Portugal head coach, now leads the betting market ahead of candidates including Davie Moyes, Steven Naismith, and John McGlynn.
Clarke's Departure After World Cup Exit
Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland manager after a disappointing World Cup campaign. The team scored only once in their opening Group C game, a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti. Subsequent defeats—1-0 to Morocco and 3-0 to Brazil—meant Scotland failed to finish among the eight best third-placed teams, exiting before the knockout stage. Clarke's departure came after seven years in charge, despite the Scottish FA having handed him a new four-year contract just before the tournament in the United States.
Martinez's Background and Odds
Roberto Martinez, former manager of Everton, Belgium, and Portugal, has been installed as the favourite by Ladbrokes. The former Motherwell midfielder, whose wife is Scottish, has attracted significant backing from punters. According to Ladbrokes, Martinez is now priced at 4/1, catapulting him above Alex Neil, Davie Moyes, John McGlynn, and Steven Naismith, all at 5/1. Martinez left his Portugal job after his home nation Spain eliminated Ronaldo's side with a stoppage-time strike.
Next Scotland Manager Odds
The full odds from Ladbrokes are as follows: Roberto Martinez 4/1, Alex Neil 5/1, David Moyes 5/1, John McGlynn 5/1, Steven Naismith 5/1, with 10/1 bar. Fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez has also publicly expressed interest in the role. The new manager will lead Scotland into the upcoming Nations League campaign and qualification for Euro 2028, which Scotland will co-host with England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
