Why Scotland may never afford a Premier League manager

Scotland’s search for a new head coach is hampered by Premier League wages, making the likes of David Moyes or Ange Postecoglou financially out of reach after Steve Clarke’s resignation. Clarke left the role following a World Cup exit while earning roughly £500,000 a year.

The Scottish FA said it will cast the net as far and wide as possible to replace Clarke. Clarke was reported to be earning around £500,000 a year at the time of Euro 2024. The federation’s budget, however, will still fall well short of Premier League levels despite Clarke’s recent four‑year deal.

David Moyes is entering the final year of a multi‑million‑pound contract at Everton, where he has guided the club to back‑to‑back 13th‑place finishes. The 63‑year‑old Scot previously led West Ham United to a sixth‑place finish and a Conference League appearance.

"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," Moyes told BBC Sportsound in 2021. His comment came while he was still West Ham United manager, before moving to Everton.

Ange Postecoglou, currently out of work after a 39‑day spell at Nottingham Forest, previously earned a reported £5 million yearly salary at Spurs and a £3 million‑a‑season deal at Forest. The Australian ex‑Celtic boss also won the Europa League with Tottenham and guided Celtic to a trophy‑laden period. He also guided Australia to the 2015 Asian Cup triumph and the 2014 World Cup.

"We're not daft enough to think the Premier League isn't paying high wages," former Scotland striker Kris Boyd said on . Boyd added that Moyes commands a big salary at Everton, which the SFA cannot match.

With standards raised by three major finals during Clarke’s era, the coming weeks will reveal how ambitious the Scottish FA can be in its search. Financial constraints remain the biggest obstacle to securing a Premier League‑level manager.