AdminSteve Clarke shocked many Scotland fans by handing in his resignation immediately after his team’s 2026 World Cup elimination. Following a disappointing showing in the group stages, the Scottish FA is on the hunt for a new boss.
Clarke has been at the helm at Hampden Park since 2019 after taking over from Alex McLeish. His country hadn’t been in a major competition since the 1998 World Cup before his arrival, but have now taken part in three of the last four.
He’s undoubtedly got Scotland back to being tournament regulars, but crashing out of the 48-team World Cup at the first hurdle has been met with strong backlash. As a result, the ex-Scotland international has stepped down. But who will replace him? Well, Bet365’s odds have thrown up some interesting contenders.
Ange Postecoglou Among Favourites For Scotland Role
So far, there appear to be 20 names in the mix for the job. However, many are given odds of 25/1 or worse. For example, ex-Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is at 40/1.
The legendary manager has just exited the World Cup at the same stage as Clarke, with better players at his disposal, so he goes down as a huge outsider. Meanwhile, former Scotland internationals Duncan Ferguson, Scott Brown, Barry Ferguson and Derek McInnes are all given 33/1 odds.
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The latter would have likely been a strong contender after almost toppling the Old Firm with Hearts last season, but has recently been appointed as Rangers’ new boss. Recently departed Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna and Dunfermline’s Neil Lennon have the same chance of being the next manager.
At 25/1 are Scott Gemmill and Steven Pressley. But more notably, World Cup-winning manager Joachim Low is among the list of potential Clarke replacements. The ex-Germany boss hasn’t been involved in football since 2021, but has many years of experience in international management.
Former Bayer Leverkusen tactician Kasper Hjulmand (16/1) and two men who used to play in the famous blue shirt, Darren Fletcher and Shaun Maloney (both 10/1), would be shock appointments.
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann and Millwall’s Alex Neil, however, have plenty of experience and could well be looked at by the SFA. They have 8/1 and 7/1 odds, respectively.
Roberto Martinez is confirmed to be leaving Portugal after this summer’s tournament and is married to a Scottish woman, whom he met while playing for Motherwell. The Spaniard has slightly better odds (5/1) than Clarke’s old assistant, Steven Naismith (13/2).
Joining Martinez as the hottest contenders are John McGlynn of Falkirk, serial winner Ange Postecoglou and perhaps the best Scottish manager around, David Moyes. The Everton boss is the frontrunner, with 4/1 odds. It’d be a tough task for the Scotland bosses to lure him away from his £5 million-per-year salary.
| Next Scotland Manager Odds: 20 Favourites to Replace Steve Clarke | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Manager | Odds |
| 1. | David Moyes | 4/1 |
| 2. | Ange Postecoglou | 5/1 |
| 3. | John McGlynn | 5/1 |
| 4. | Roberto Martinez | 5/1 |
| 5. | Steven Naismith | 13/2 |
| 6. | Alex Neil | 7/1 |
| 7. | Neil McCann | 8/1 |
| 8. | Darren Fletcher | 10/1 |
| 9. | Shaun Maloney | 10/1 |
| 10. | Kasper Hjulmand | 16/1 |
| 11. | Joachim Low | 25/1 |
| 12. | Scott Gemmill | 25/1 |
| 13. | Steven Pressley | 25/1 |
| 14. | Barry Ferguson | 33/1 |
| 15. | Derek McInnes | 33/1 |
| 16. | Duncan Ferguson | 33/1 |
| 17. | Kieran McKenna | 33/1 |
| 18. | Neil Lennon | 33/1 |
| 19. | Scott Brown | 33/1 |
| 20. | Marcelo Bielsa | 40/1 |
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