After the resignation of Steve Clarke as Scotland head coach last week, the Scots are now on the hunt for a new man to steady the ship before they kick off their Nations League campaign.

Steve Clarke, who led Scotland to two successive European Championships and a World Cup (2026) for the first time in 28 years, resigned following a poor showing in the United States. It came just weeks after the SFA had renewed his contract, but after a series of unflattering results in the World Cup group stage, the pressure was mounting.

With the position of head coach now vacant, who could be set to replace the former boss?

One candidate who was arguably the desired man for the job was former Nottingham Forest and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed for Scotland, as the Australian today signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Replacing him as the favourite for the job is current Everton manager David Moyes. Moyes, who played in Scotland during his younger days, went on to manage the likes of Manchester United, Real Sociedad and West Ham before returning to Everton.

The Scottish manager could be the answer to all of Scotland’s prayers. He plays an attacking style of football, favouring the popular 4-2-3-1 formation, has experience of leading underdogs to success—take West Ham, for example, in 2022/23 when he guided them to the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy—and understands how to kick-start young players’ careers, as he did with Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley.

The only pitfall to appointing Moyes that may set the Tartan Army on edge is that, much like Steve Clarke, he is a loyal manager. Moyes has a tendency to select older players and isn’t known for fielding youthful starting elevens.

Although David Moyes may now be the front-runner, he would surely come with a hefty price tag to buy him out of his Everton contract, which still has one year remaining. If Scotland look further afield for managers, however, former RB Leipzig manager Ole Werner could prove an interesting fit.

The German coach managed RB Leipzig for a single season before being relieved of his duties. However, his record is impressive, with 23 wins in 38 games, with many of his defeats coming against German giants Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Much like Moyes, he prefers an attacking formation, this time favouring a traditional 4-3-3. Despite only having managed one season in the Bundesliga, Werner has plenty of matches under his belt, having taken charge of 404 games despite being only 38 years old.

What would he offer Scotland that isn’t already on the table? Well, he brings with him a trust in young players and develops them into integral members of his squad. Although some may not favour this next point, he is inexperienced in Scottish football. While many would view this as a drawback, I don’t believe it is. I think a manager with no ties or allegiances to Scottish football would be a breath of fresh air.

If Werner wasn’t already on the candidate list, this next left-field option may not be either, but I truly believe he is worth a mention. Former Sturm Graz manager Christian Ilzer could be another European coach capable of helping Scotland progress further in major competitions.

The Austrian successfully led Sturm Graz to the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023/24, as well as Austrian Cup triumphs in both 2022/23 and 2023/24. A manager with a winning mentality and a taste for trophies is exactly what Scotland require.

Ilzer’s record is also not to be sniffed at. Across 424 games, he has registered 217 wins, 91 draws and 116 defeats. With more than 13 years of coaching experience, he could very well be another ideal candidate.

You may question why I’ve not mentioned the bigger names such as John McGlynn, Stephen Naismith and Brendan Rodgers. It’s due to the fact that I truly believe Scotland can’t appoint a manager who is either currently managing in the SPFL or has managed a club of similar stature in the past.

Scotland require someone who is fresh-faced, has no allegiances and isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. We are crying out for someone who will give young players the opportunity to succeed and drive the national team forward, rather than relying on the same old faces every campaign.

The Tartan Army deserve to witness attacking football rather than the usually defensive displays and are more than entitled to carry genuine belief that Scotland might actually score a goal, rather than conceding three or four.

Scotland can only hope for a manager who will change the ways of the past and shine a bright light on the future of the national team. Until then, we can only anticipate who the all-important appointment will be.