SFA REVEALS DAVID MOYES’ CRITERIA FOR BECOMING NEW SCOTLAND MANAGER AFTER CLOSED-DOOR MEETING
The search for Scotland’s next permanent manager continues to dominate headlines following Steve Clarke’s departure, and one name continues to stand above the rest: David Moyes. Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most accomplished managers of the modern era, the Everton boss has long been viewed as a natural successor should the national team vacancy arise.
However, despite growing speculation after reports of discussions involving the Scottish Football Association, the biggest obstacle to any potential appointment may not be footballing ambition—it could simply be money.
Financial Reality Could Block Any Move
While Moyes has never hidden his affection for Scottish football, convincing him to leave Everton appears to be an enormous challenge.
The 63-year-old is entering the final year of a lucrative contract at Goodison Park after returning to the club in 2025. Since his return, he has successfully stabilised Everton and guided them to consecutive 13th-place finishes in the Premier League, reinforcing his reputation as one of England’s most experienced managers.
By comparison, the Scotland job comes with significantly fewer financial rewards.
Steve Clarke was reported to be earning around £500,000 per year before Euro 2024. After signing a new four-year contract last month, his salary is believed to have increased, but it still falls well below the level typically earned by Premier League managers.
That creates a major problem for the SFA.
Any attempt to appoint Moyes would almost certainly require him to accept a substantial pay cut, something many believe is unrealistic while he remains employed by an established Premier League club.
Moyes Has Never Ruled Out Scotland
Despite the financial complications, Moyes has consistently spoken positively about the possibility of managing his country.
Back in 2021, while leading West Ham United through one of the club’s most successful modern periods, he admitted the Scotland job could interest him under the right circumstances.
“I think at the right time, when things are right for me and if it’s right for Scotland, then it might be a consideration.”
At the time, Moyes had transformed West Ham into European contenders, securing a sixth-place Premier League finish before leading the club to UEFA Europa Conference League glory.
Those achievements only strengthened his credentials and cemented his place among Britain’s most respected managers.
Timing Remains the Biggest Question
Although Moyes’ interest has never disappeared, the timing may still be wrong.
When he first discussed the possibility five years ago, he stressed that everything would need to align before any move could happen.
Today, those conditions appear difficult to meet.
Everton continue to rely heavily on Moyes’ experience as they seek greater progress in the Premier League, while Scotland would struggle to offer either the financial package or the day-to-day challenge currently available to him in club football.
Unless circumstances change dramatically, there is little indication that Moyes is actively looking to leave Merseyside.
Kris Boyd Highlights the Main Obstacle
Former Scotland striker Kris Boyd believes Moyes will eventually become Scotland manager—but not yet.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boyd pointed directly to the financial gap between international management and the Premier League.
“We’re not daft enough to think the Premier League isn’t paying high wages.”
Boyd added:
“In the future, I think Moyes will be a Scotland manager. Right now, he’s the manager of Everton and will be on a big, big salary. The SFA won’t be able to compete with that.”
His comments echo what many supporters and pundits have been saying for weeks.
Moyes undoubtedly possesses the experience, leadership and tactical knowledge required to lead Scotland into another major tournament cycle, but persuading him to leave one of the world’s richest leagues is another matter entirely.
What Would Need to Change?
If the SFA are serious about making Moyes their next manager, several factors would likely need to align.
Firstly, Moyes would need to reach a natural conclusion to his Everton spell rather than leave midway through a contract. Secondly, the financial expectations from both sides would need to become more realistic.
The appeal of managing Scotland remains strong for many coaches, but international football rarely matches the salaries offered by top-flight club football.
For Moyes, the decision may ultimately come down to timing rather than desire.
Scotland’s Dream Appointment?
There is little doubt that David Moyes remains one of the standout candidates whenever the Scotland job becomes available.
His decades of Premier League experience, European success and Scottish roots make him an obvious choice in the eyes of many supporters.
Yet admiration alone is unlikely to secure his appointment.
Unless the financial landscape changes—or Moyes himself decides the time is finally right—the Scotland job may have to wait a little longer before welcoming one of the country’s most accomplished football managers.
