David Moyes has emerged as the early favourite to become the next Scotland manager after Steve Clarke resigned moments after Scotland's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Clarke stepped down on Friday night following a 2-0 defeat to Brazil that sealed Scotland's group-stage exit, with the team managing only one win in three matches—a narrow victory over Haiti.
Clarke's resignation surprises after new contract
Clarke's decision came as a shock given that he had signed a four-year contract extension just last month, with plans to lead Scotland at Euro 2028, which the nation will co-host with England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. After seven years and 81 matches in charge, Clarke is Scotland's longest-serving manager and arguably its most successful, having guided the team to three of the last four major tournaments. However, their performances at those finals were poor, winning just one of nine games and failing to progress beyond the group stage.
In an open letter to supporters, Clarke said: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
David Moyes leads betting odds
With star players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn now in their thirties, the incoming manager faces a significant rebuilding task. David Moyes, currently in his second spell at Everton, is the bookmakers' early frontrunner at 4/1 odds. The 63-year-old has revitalised his reputation after difficult stints at Manchester United and Sunderland, notably winning the UEFA Conference League with West Ham in 2023.
Also heavily fancied is Ange Postecoglou, who won the Europa League with Tottenham last season. Out of work since a brief 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest last season, the 60-year-old Australian has been working as a pundit on ITV's World Cup coverage. Postecoglou has deep experience in Scottish and international football, having won five trophies with Celtic and the 2015 Asian Cup with Australia.
Other contenders include Neil, Naismith, Gerrard
Other names in the running include Millwall boss Alex Neil, Clarke's assistant manager Steven Naismith, and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Gerrard, who has been out of work since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq over a year ago, won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021. The odds for the next permanent Scotland manager are: David Moyes 4/1, Ange Postecoglou 5/1, Alex Neil 6/1, Steven Naismith 8/1, Scott Brown 10/1, Steve Cooper 12/1, Steven Gerrard 12/1 (odds courtesy of Coral).
