Steven Naismith breaks silence on Kilmarnock manager job as out of work boss open to replacing Derek McInnes
The former Rangers and Scotland hero is out of work after leaving Hearts last year
Steven Naismith has opened the door to a potential return to football after responding to calls that he will be named as the next manager of Kilmarnock.
Record Sport exclusively told you on Tuesday that the former striker is the leading candidate to succeed Killie boss Derek McInnes, who will be taking up the reins at Hearts next week.
McInnes was due to lead his team out for the final time against the Jambos in the last game of the season on Saturday, but the club have now announced that he and his coaching staff will not be involved in the clash at Rugby Park.
Naismith has been out of work since getting the sack at Tynecastle last October, despite previously leading the Jambos to a third place finish in the Premiership last season, securing group stage football in Europe as a result.
The 38-year-old started his playing career with the Ayrshire side in 2003 before winning a move to Rangers four years later.
And while he says he will only step back into the dugout when the time is right, the ex Scotland international has hinted that he would be interested in the vacancy soon to be left by McInnes.
Speaking on The Warm-Up, he said: "I'm having a great time here. You flew straight in (with the question). No, I'm here! My things haven't changed. I will go serious for you and give you a good answer.
"I'm enjoying the time out. It takes over your life, management. Whether you say life/work balance, it doesn't. It's on your mind all the time. I loved it, but I've loved my time out.
"I'm at the point where everything needs to be perfect for me; the right club, you believe in what it is, and you're going to make a difference. That's where I sit.
"I have spoken to clubs in the past and I have just felt it's not been right, I will probably speak to clubs in the future and if that changes then my mind will change.
"I'm really relaxed and enjoy my life at the moment.
"Everything in your life takes a back seat, whether you like it or not. See for me, that has got to be the way it is, you have got to be 100 percent committed and that is the focus. That is why it is so intense.
"The buzz of me being a manager and what I believe I can give when I am all in, I think I could be a success and I think my first year shows that.
"I'm not putting any pressure, I am not going to jump into a football club just to get back in, I don't think that is the right thing to do.
"If the right opportunity comes and it ticks everything and I'm ready, then I will do it."
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