Roberto Martinez, one of the leading candidates to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland manager, is reportedly in talks to become the next Netherlands head coach. The Spaniard, who had been a frontrunner for the Scotland job, met with Dutch FA officials in Malaga, putting his candidacy for the Tartan Army in doubt. Scotland currently sit 3rd in the World Cup group stage with 3 points from 3 games (1W-0D-2L), having lost their last match 0-3 to Brazil on June 24, 2026.
What happened with Martinez's Scotland candidacy?
Martinez, 53, emerged as a favorite after Clarke stepped down following Scotland's World Cup exit. The former Everton and Belgium manager has strong ties to Scotland, having met his wife while playing for Motherwell. However, reports from De Telegraaf suggest he is now the top target for the Netherlands, who are searching for a replacement after Ronald Koeman's departure.
Why does this matter for Scotland?
With Martinez potentially out of the running, Steven Naismith, the most recent Scotland assistant, has become the odds-on favorite to take over. The SFA is aiming to appoint a new manager before the Nations League double-header against Slovenia and Switzerland in late September. Scotland's recent form shows 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 matches (LLLWW), with their next fixture against Slovenia on September 26, 2026.
Who else is in the running?
Other contenders include John McGlynn, Kasper Hjulmand, Darren Fletcher, and Martin O’Neill. Naismith, 37, has been with the Scotland setup since 2021 and is seen as a continuity candidate. The SFA is expected to make a decision soon, with the new manager tasked with improving Scotland's goal difference (-3) and closing the 4-point gap to World Cup leaders Brazil.
