Steven Naismith

Naismith was born in Irvine, North Ayrshire{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/steven-naismith-41896/ |title=Steven Naismith |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=11 July 2018}} and grew up in nearby Stewarton in East Ayrshire.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30196603 |title=Steven Naismith: The people's footballer or disowned Ranger? |first=Matt |last=Slater |work=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2014 |access-date=11 July 2018}} He played for local boys club team Stewarton Annick before being on the books at Rangers as a youngster.{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/steven-naismith-rangers_2254699_30078|title=Steven Naismith Rangers Biography|website=Rangers F.C.|access-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004065825/http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/steven-naismith-rangers_2254699_30078|archive-date=4 October 2011}} Naismith overcame dyslexia{{cite news|title=Hard-working football star tackled dyslexia and won|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/hard-working-football-star-tackled-dyslexia-and-won.23509829|newspaper=Herald Scotland|date=3 March 2014|access-date=21 March 2014}} and has since become an ambassador for the Dyslexia Scotland charity.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/28220393 |title=Steven Naismith backs his old youth team with sponsorship |first=Richard |last=Wilson |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=8 July 2014 |access-date=29 August 2014}}

Naismith played several years in the Kilmarnock youth team before signing professionally in August 2002.{{cite book |last= Scottish Football League |author-link= Scottish Football League |title= The Bell's Scottish Football Review 2004/05 |publisher= CRE8 |date=October 2004 |isbn= 0-9548556-0-4 }} He made his senior debut in the 2003–04 season as a substitute against Hibernian on 24 April 2004,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3651345.stm | title=Kilmarnock 2–0 Hibernian |work=BBC Sport| date=24 April 2004 | access-date=27 September 2011 }} but still continued to play for the under-19s side, with whom he won the Scottish Youth Cup, beating Rangers 1–0 at Rugby Park. He scored his first senior goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Heart of Midlothian in February 2005.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/4234837.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Hearts 2–2 Kilmarnock|date=5 February 2005|access-date=12 December 2007}}

In the 2005–06 season his performances won him the SPL Young Player of the Month award in August and January and the SPL Player of the Month award in March of the 2005–06 season. He signed a new four-year contract extension,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4789726.stm | title=Killie land Naismith on new deal |work=BBC Sport | date=9 March 2006 | access-date=27 September 2011 }} and went on to win the Scottish Football Writers'Young Player of the Year award, after scoring twelve goals during the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4911084.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Naismith young player of the year |date=14 April 2006|access-date=12 December 2007}} He scored his first professional hat-trick in a 3–0 Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Falkirk.{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/6309881.stm | title = Kilmarnock 3–0 Falkirk | date = 30 January 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 December 2007}}{{ cite web | url = http://www.worldfootballregister.com/hat-trick/male/domestic/scotland/national/cis-cup/kilmarnock/open/steven-naismith/183731116560282/ | title = Details of Naismith's hat-trick | publisher = World Football Register | access-date = 12 September 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110721170513/http://www.worldfootballregister.com/hat-trick/male/domestic/scotland/national/cis-cup/kilmarnock/open/steven-naismith/183731116560282/ | archive-date = 21 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }} He won the SPL Young Player of the Month award in March 2007, and then the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2006–07 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6582199.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Naismith nets young player prize |date=22 April 2007|access-date=12 December 2007}}

In August 2007, following bids from both Rangers{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/6718219.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Rangers attempt to sign Naismith|date=4 June 2007|access-date=12 December 2007}} and Celtic{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/6926175.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Killie blast Celtic over Naismith |date=2 August 2007}} as well as a reported submission and then withdrawal of a transfer request from the player himself,{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/naismith-makes-move-with-transfer-request-1.862065|publisher=The Herald|title=Naismith makes move with transfer request |date=27 July 2007|access-date=12 December 2007}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/6930251.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Naismith to stick with Kilmarnock|date=4 August 2007|access-date=12 December 2007}} Naismith signed for Rangers.

On 31 August 2007, Kilmarnock accepted Rangers' offer for Naismith for around £1.9 million and he joined the club just 19 seconds before the transfer window closed.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/6973548.stm|title=Naismith makes late Rangers move|work=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2007}} The following day Naismith made his debut as an 83rd-minute substitute against Gretna.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6970400.stm|title=Rangers 4–0 Gretna|work=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2007}} He scored his first goal for Rangers in a 3–0 win over Aberdeen on 23 September 2007.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7005522.stm|title=Rangers 3–0 Aberdeen|work=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2007}} Naismith made his Champions League debut at the Camp Nou against FC Barcelona in November 2007, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/teams/player=93682/index.html|title=Uefa Profile|publisher=UEFA|access-date=26 September 2011}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7078735.stm|title=Barcelona 2–0 Rangers|date=7 November 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} He scored in consecutive games against Hibernian{{cite web|url=http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/20071229/hibernian-1-rangers-2_2254702_37143|title=Hibernian 1–2 Rangers|date=29 December 2007|website=Rangers F.C.|access-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104212904/http://www.rangers.co.uk/articles/20071229/hibernian-1-rangers-2_2254702_37143|archive-date=4 January 2011}} and Dundee United{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7170793.stm|title=Rangers 2–0 Dundee United|date=5 January 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} at the turn of the year during season 2007–08. A month later he then scored his fourth and fifth goals for Rangers against Falkirk{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7233448.stm|title=Rangers 2–0 Falkirk|date=9 February 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and Gretna.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7257976.stm|title=Rangers 4–2 Gretna|date=24 February 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

During Rangers' Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone in April 2008, St Johnstone player Martin Hardie stepped on Naismith's left knee and appeared to injure him.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/04/21/st-johnstone-1-1-rangers-86908-20390145/|title=St Johnstone 1–1 Rangers|date=21 April 2008|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=26 September 2011}} However, after initially limping off the pitch he returned to the field of play, only to collapse a short time later and required to be stretchered off. After cruciate ligament damage, Naismith underwent surgery in May 2008 (missing the club's UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup finals) and was ruled out of action for up to a year;{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/may/20/rangers|title=Rangers suffer double injury blow|date=20 May 2008 |work=The Guardian|access-date=27 September 2011}} however, he returned to training eight months later.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/4061612/Steven-Naismith-seeks-Rangers-return-after-injury-nightmare.html|title=Steven Naismith seeks Rangers return after injury nightmare|date=1 January 2009|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Naismith returned to action in December 2008, playing in a reserve match against St Mirren and made a return to first team football in January 2009 during the Scottish Cup; coincidentally St Johnstone were the opponents.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/01/14/st-johnstone-0-2-rangers-86908-21039589/|title=St Johnstone 0–2 Rangers|date=14 January 2009|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=26 September 2011}} Naismith featured in the 2009 Scottish Cup Final win over Falkirk after missing the majority of the season through injury.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/5413108/Rangers-1-Falkirk-0-Scottish-Cup-Final-2009-match-report.html|title=Rangers 1 Falkirk 0: Match report|date=30 May 2009|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Naismith opened his account for the 2009–10 season by scoring the fourth in a 4–1 win over Falkirk{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8200794.stm|title=Rangers 4–1 Falkirk|date=15 August 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and followed this by winning a late and decisive penalty against Hearts at Tynecastle, which teammate Kris Boyd converted. The penalty proved to be the winning goal.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/08/24/spl-hearts-1-rangers-2-86908-21619988/|title=SPL: Hearts 1 Rangers 2|newspaper=Daily Record|date=24 August 2009}} Naismith then netted in the Scottish League Cup match against Queen of the South in September 2009.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8268055.stm|title=Queen of South 1–2 Rangers|date=23 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} The following week, he was deployed as a lone striker in a Champions League Group stage fixture against Sevilla at Ibrox and was unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the first half of an eventual 4–1 defeat.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8278926.stm|title=Rangers 1–4 Sevilla|date=29 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=11 May 2018}}

In the 2010 League Cup Final win over St Mirren, Naismith set up Kenny Miller for the winning goal through a counterattack after Rangers had been reduced to nine men.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/21/st-mirren-rangers-scottish-cup-final|title=Kenny Miller sees nine-man Rangers through to victory|date=21 March 2010|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Towards the end of the season Naismith scored two goals against Hearts at Tynecastle in March 2010.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8588247.stm|title=Hearts 1–4 Rangers|date=27 March 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Naismith made 25 league appearances during season 2009–10 and received his first SPL winners medal after Rangers clinched back to back titles.{{Soccerbase season|35605|2009|name=Naismith Statistics|access-date=26 September 2011}}

File:Naismith Nov2010.jpg in 2010]]

In the first match of the 2010–11 season, Naismith scored as Rangers beat Kilmarnock 2–1.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8909544.stm|title=Rangers 2–1 Kilmarnock|date=14 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Naismith then scored in consecutive games against Dundee United{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9007437.stm|title=Rangers 4–0 Dundee Utd|date=18 September 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and Dunfermline{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9013885.stm|title=Rangers 7–2 Dunfermline|date=21 September 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} in September 2010. On 29 September 2010, Naismith scored the only goal of the game as Rangers defeated Bursaspor at Ibrox to gain them their first win in 12 UEFA Champions League matches.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9038867.stm | title=Rangers 1–0 Bursaspor |work=BBC Sport | date=29 September 2010}} He followed this Champions League goal up with the winning goal deep into stoppage time against Hearts at Tynecastle in October.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9050007.stm|title=Hearts 1–2 Rangers|date=2 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Further goals against Motherwell,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9090143.stm|title=Rangers 4–1 Motherwell|date=16 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Kilmarnock{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9122489.stm|title=Kilmarnock 0–2 Rangers|date=27 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and St Mirren{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9161882.stm|title=St Mirren 1 – 3 Rangers|date=7 November 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} took Naismith's goal tally to eight for Rangers at the turn of the year in the 2010–11 season, and his form also won him the SPL player of the month for October.

On 22 December 2010, Naismith signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract to stay with the Rangers, keeping him tied to the club until at least May 2015.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9312196.stm|title=Steven Naismith signs long-term Rangers deal |work=BBC Sport|date=22 December 2010}}

After the new year, Naismith scored the winning goal in the Scottish League Cup semi final against Motherwell at Hampden Park.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9378094.stm|title=Rangers 2–1 Motherwell|date=30 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} He was then sent off in the 2–2 draw with Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup after a second yellow card.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/feb/06/rangers-celtic-scottish-cup|title=El Hadji Diouf stays calm as Celtic haul back Rangers in Scottish Cup|date=6 February 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 September 2011}} Goals against Motherwell,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9393220.stm|title=Rangers 6–0 Motherwell|date=12 February 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Dundee United{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9442789.stm|title=Rangers 2–3 Dundee Utd|date=2 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and St Johnstone{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9446449.stm|title=St Johnstone 0–2 Rangers|date=5 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} took his tally to 11 for the season. Naismith then scored two goals in a 5–0 win over Motherwell in April 2011{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9470831.stm|title=Motherwell 0–5 Rangers|date=30 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} In the final game of the 2010–11 season, Naismith scored in the 5–1 win over Kilmarnock which won the league title for Rangers for the third consecutive time.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9484609.stm|title=Kilmarnock 1–5 Rangers|date=15 May 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Season 2010–11 proved to be Naismith's most prolific in a Rangers shirt, scoring 15 goals.{{Soccerbase season|35605|2010|name=Naismith Statistics|access-date=26 September 2011}} He was nominated for the SPFA Players' Player of the Year award after his performances throughout the 2010–11 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13078886.stm|title=Scotland's player of the year awards nominees announced|date=14 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Naismith won both the Rangers players' player of the year and the supporters' player of the year for season 2010–11.{{cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Matt |title=Steven Naismith: The people's footballer or disowned Ranger? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30196603 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2014}}

Naismith scored again on the first day of the league season against Hearts at Ibrox in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14242065.stm|title=Rangers 1–1 Hearts|date=23 July 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} In the following league match against St Johnstone, Naismith scored again as Rangers won 2–0.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14321296.stm|title=St Johnstone 0–2 Rangers|date=30 July 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} August saw Naismith score in consecutive games against Motherwell{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14520305.stm|title=Motherwell 0–3 Rangers|date=21 August 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} and Aberdeen.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14606044.stm|title=Rangers 2–0 Aberdeen|date=28 August 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

In the first Old Firm derby of the season on 18 September 2011, Naismith scored twice against Celtic as Rangers won 4–2; this was the first time he scored in a match against Celtic.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14869908.stm|title=Rangers 4–2 Celtic|date=18 September 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} Six days later against Dunfermline Athletic, Naismith scored another brace to take his tally to eight goals in eight league games.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14957933.stm|title=Dunfermline 0–4 Rangers|date=24 September 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}} However, the match was overshadowed when Naismith was handed a two match retrospective suspension by the SFA for elbowing Dunfermline captain Austin McCann. Naismith later stated there was no deliberate intent and had already had an apology accepted by McCann. Naismith scored Rangers first goal against Hearts in October 2011, and Rangers went on to win the game 2–0.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15325529.stm|title=Hearts 0–2 Rangers|date=23 October 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 October 2011}}

During the 2011–12 season, Naismith began a goalscoring celebration where he crosses his arms in front of his body.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2011/10/26/revealed-the-logic-behind-rangers-scotland-star-steven-naismith-s-goal-celebration-86908-23515899/|title=Revealed: The logic behind Rangers & Scotland star Steven Naismith's goal celebration|date=26 October 2011|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=27 October 2011}} This was later revealed by a family friend to mean that he was sending a kiss to his girlfriend when doing so. On 29 October, Naismith injured himself after attempting to tackle Aberdeen's Rob Milsom. A scan later confirmed that he had damaged his cruciate ligament and would be out of action for around nine months, ending his season.{{cite web|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/aberdeen/277317-rob-milsom-surprised-steven-naismith-wasnt-sent-off|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193716/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/aberdeen/277317-rob-milsom-surprised-steven-naismith-wasnt-sent-off/|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=Rob Milsom: 'Steven Naismith should have been sent off'|publisher=stv.tv|date=2 November 2011}}

In June 2012, Naismith lodged an objection against his contract being transferred to the new Rangers company.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18560798|title=Rangers: Steven Naismith & Steven Whittaker oppose newco transfer|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=24 June 2012|access-date=24 June 2012}} PFA Scotland had previously commented that players were entitled to become free agents if they objected to the transfer.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18446597|title=Rangers: Players free not to join 'newco' says law expert|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=14 June 2012|access-date=24 June 2012}}

File:Dynamo Kyiv - Everton (16683192890).jpg in 2015]]

Naismith signed a four-year deal for Everton on 4 July 2012,{{cite news|title=Blues Land Naismith|url=http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2012/07/04/blues-land-naismith|access-date=4 July 2012|newspaper=Everton FC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825060055/http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2012/07/04/blues-land-naismith|archive-date=25 August 2012|url-status=dead}} joining his previous striking partner at Rangers, Nikica Jelavić. There was no transfer fee involved as the player had refused to have his contract transferred from the old to the new company controlling Rangers as the old company was liquidated.{{cite web|title=Everton sign former Rangers striker Steven Naismith on free transfer|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/04/everton-rangers-steven-naismith-transfer|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 July 2012|date=4 July 2012}} The nature of the move, described by Naismith as "one of the hardest decisions" of his football career,{{cite news|title=Steven Naismith: Leaving Rangers for Everton was 'hard'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18720370|work=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2012|access-date=10 July 2012}} required FIFA to grant provisional international clearance, which allowed him to play in England while arbitration over the movement of assets out of Rangers continued. Five years later, Naismith stated that he had been poorly advised on the situation at Rangers at the time and regretted the way he had departed.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40445277|title=Rangers: Steven Naismith regrets manner of departure in June 2012|work=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2017|access-date=11 May 2018}}

He made his debut for the Toffees as an 89th-minute substitute during Everton's first match of the season, a 1–0 league victory over Manchester United.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19240566 | title=Everton 1–0 Man Utd |work=BBC Sport | access-date=21 August 2012}} and scored his first competitive goal for Everton on 28 October in a derby against Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Everton 2–2 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20020076|work=BBC Sport|access-date=29 October 2012|date=28 October 2012}} He scored the final goal of David Moyes 11-year reign in Everton's 2–1 defeat to Chelsea on the final day of the season. Afterwards, Naismith stated that he had not shown his best form during the year.{{cite news | url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steven-naismith-everton-fc-fans-3902631 | title=Steven Naismith: Everton FC fans have not seen the best of me | newspaper=Daily Post | access-date=29 June 2013}} In his debut season, Naismith was the most used substitute at the club with 20 appearances from the bench.{{cite web | url=http://www.evertonfc.com/first-team-stats-2012/13 | title=First Team Stats 2012/2013 | publisher=Everton | access-date=29 June 2013}}

Naismith made a rare league start in September 2013 and made the most of the opportunity as he scored the game's only goal as Everton defeated Chelsea 1–0 at home.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23999387 | title=Everton 1–0 Chelsea | work=BBC Sport | access-date=15 September 2013}} New manager Roberto Martínez used Naismith down the middle, instead of on the left or right wing as he was with previous manager David Moyes.{{cite news | url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/phil-jagielka-everton-even-stronger-7162257 | title=Phil Jagielka: Everton will be even stronger next season under Roberto Martinez | newspaper=North Wales Daily Post | access-date=26 May 2014}} Later in the 2013–14 season, Naismith embarked on a good run of form that coincided with Everton winning seven league matches in a row, culminating with a pair of man-of-the-match performances against both Fulham and Arsenal.{{cite news | url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-3-arsenal-0-analysis-6928593 | title=Everton 3–0 Arsenal | newspaper=Liverpool Echo | access-date=8 April 2014}} Naismith doubled his goals tally from last season to eight in this, to help Everton amass 72 points (the most they had collected in a Premier League season) and finish fifth.{{cite web | url=http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2014/05/14/magic-numbers-roberto-s-record-breakers | title=Magic Numbers: Roberto's Record-Breakers | publisher=Everton | access-date=26 May 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515151612/http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2014/05/14/magic-numbers-roberto-s-record-breakers | archive-date=15 May 2014 | url-status=dead }}

Naismith scored goals in each of the first three games in the 2014–15 Premier League season, against Leicester City,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28718336|title=Leicester City 2–2 Everton|date=16 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2018}} Arsenal{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/28816295|title=Everton 2–2 Arsenal|date=23 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2018}} and Chelsea.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28906778|title=Everton 3–6 Chelsea|date=30 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2018}} On 6 November 2014, he scored his first European goal for Everton in a 3–0 UEFA Europa League group stage win against Lille.{{cite news|last1=Hunter|first1=Andy|title=Leon Osman marks new deal with a goal as Everton cruise to win over Lille|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/06/everton-lille-europa-league-match-report|access-date=6 November 2014|work=The Guardian|date=6 November 2014}} In December 2014, Naismith signed a new contract with Everton.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30526705 Steven Naismith: Everton forward signs new three-year contract], BBC Sport Naismith finished with eight goals in all competitions.

In August 2015, Everton rejected an offer from Norwich City for Naismith.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35195533 |title=Steven Naismith: Everton forward set to join Norwich City for £8m |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=29 December 2015 |access-date=29 December 2015}} In a 2015–16 Premier League match against Chelsea, Naismith scored a 'perfect' hat-trick (goals scored with his head, left foot and right foot) after coming on as a substitute for Muhamed Bešić.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34160707 |work=BBC Sport |last=Mandeep |first=Sanghera |title=Premier League – Results|date=12 September 2015|access-date=12 September 2015}} By late December, Naismith had only started four league matches that season for Everton.

On 19 January 2016, Naismith joined Norwich City on a three-and-a-half-year deal.{{Cite news |title=TRANSFER NEWS: NORWICH CITY SIGN STEVEN NAISMITH |url=http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/norwich-city-sign-steven-naismith-2910033.aspx |publisher=Norwich City F.C. |date=19 January 2016}} He made his debut four days later, scoring Norwich's second goal in a 5–4 home defeat to Liverpool.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35331055|title=Norwich 4–5 Liverpool|work=BBC Sport|date=23 January 2016}}

Naismith suffered an ankle ligament injury early in the 2017–18 season, which restricted his appearances.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42402202 |title=Steven Naismith: January poser for Scotland and Norwich forward |date=18 December 2017 |access-date=19 December 2017 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC}} Having not played for the Norwich first team since August, Naismith was made available for loan in January 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42610173 |title=Steven Naismith: Norwich expected to loan out Scotland forward |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=8 January 2018 |access-date=8 January 2018}}

On 18 January 2018, Naismith joined Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian on loan until the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web |url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/article/hearts-complete-deal-for-naismith/ |title=Hearts complete deal for Naismith |publisher=SPFL |date=18 January 2018 |access-date=18 January 2018 |archive-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120102/https://spfl.co.uk/news/article/hearts-complete-deal-for-naismith/ |url-status=dead }} He made his debut{{cite news |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/steven-naismith-and-demetri-mitchell-set-for-hearts-starts-in-derby-1-4666590|title=Steven Naismith and Demetri Mitchell set for Hearts starts in derby|newspaper=Edinburgh Evening News |date=20 January 2018|access-date=21 January 2018}} for Hearts on 21 January 2018, playing from the start in a 1–0 win over Edinburgh Derby rivals Hibernian at Tynecastle Park, in the Fourth round of the Scottish Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42679259|title=Heart of Midlothian 1–0 Hibernian|website=BBC Sport |date=21 January 2018|access-date=21 January 2018}} He scored the winning goal against Hibs in a home league fixture on 9 May with a flicked header, but the following day was banned by the SFA for two matches (with only one round remaining in the season) for a challenge on Celtic's Scott Brown the previous week.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44073356 |title=Steven Naismith: Hearts accept forward's two-match SFA ban for Scott Brown challenge|website= BBC Sport|date=10 May 2018 |access-date=11 May 2018 }}

Naismith returned to Hearts on 6 July 2018 on loan for the 2018–19 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44737917 |title=Steven Naismith: Norwich City forward returns to Hearts on loan |website=BBC Sport |date=6 July 2018 |access-date=11 July 2018}} where he finished the season as top scorer and won the Player of the Year award.{{cite web|url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/naismith-does-the-double-at-poty-awards|title=Naismith does the double at POTY Awards|publisher=Heart of Midlothian F.C.|date=13 May 2019|access-date=17 February 2020}}

He was released by Norwich at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48357905|title=Steven Naismith: Norwich City release Scotland striker after unveiling retained list|date=21 May 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=22 May 2019}} Naismith trained with Hearts during July 2019, while he was waiting for a final payment from Norwich that would be voided if he signed with another club before 31 July.{{cite news |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/steven-naismith-plays-as-hearts-win-7-1-in-closed-door-game-1-4973488 |title=Steven Naismith plays as Hearts win 7-1 in closed-door game |first=Barry |last=Anderson |newspaper=Edinburgh Evening News |date=30 July 2019 |access-date=30 July 2019}} He then signed a four-year contract with Hearts on 1 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49189170 |title=Steven Naismith: Scotland striker signs for Hearts |website=BBC Sport |date=1 August 2019 |access-date=1 August 2019}} Naismith was appointed Hearts captain in January 2020, after manager Daniel Stendel dropped previous captain Christophe Berra from the first team squad.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51153881 |title=Hearts: Steven Naismith named captain and confident of improvement |website=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2020 |access-date=19 January 2020}}

At the end of the 2020–21 season, after helping the team win promotion back to the Premiership, Naismith announced his retirement from playing at the age of 34.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57503893 |title=Steven Naismith: Former Scotland forward retires from playing |website=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2021 |accessdate=16 June 2021}}{{Cite web|title=Naismith retires and takes up new role {{!}} Heart Of Midlothian Football Club|url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/naismith-retires-and-takes-up-new-role|access-date=16 June 2021|date=16 June 2021 |website=www.heartsfc.co.uk}}

Naismith, whose father was born in Wales, was approached by the Wales national under-21 football team, but he decided to play for his homeland instead.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7377933/|title=Naismith backs GB availability|work=Sky Sports|publisher=BSkyB|date=14 December 2011|access-date=14 December 2011}} One of his grandmothers was born in England. Naismith scored on his debut for the Scotland national under-21 football team, in a 4–0 victory against Iceland U21s in March 2006.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4756832.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Scotland U21 4–0 Iceland U21|date=28 February 2006|access-date=23 December 2008}} In the same month he scored on his debut for the Scotland B team, against Turkey B in a 3–2 defeat.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4789108.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Scotland Future 2–3 Turkey Future|date=15 March 2006|access-date=23 December 2008}} Naismith captained the Scotland U21 team in late 2007, and scored a winning goal against the Czech Republic.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6955476.stm|title=Scotland U21 1–0 Czech Rep U21|date=21 August 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Naismith was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time in June 2007, for a friendly away to the Faroe Islands; he came on as a substitute for Kris Boyd for the final seven minutes of a 2–0 win on the 6th.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6713997.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Naismith drafted into Scots squad|date=1 June 2007|access-date=23 December 2008}} He scored his first goal for Scotland in the 3–2 loss to Spain at Hampden Park on 12 October 2010, in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9078030.stm|title=Scotland 2–3 Spain|date=12 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 October 2010}}[https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scots-sunk-super-sub-llorente-1891137 Scots are sunk by super-sub Llorente], Wales Online, 13 October 2010 He was selected for all three of Scotland's matches in the 2011 Nations Cup when they reached the final but were defeated by the hosts Republic of Ireland.{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=823&playerID=28706&squadID=1|title=Naismith SFA Profile|publisher=Scottish FA|access-date=26 September 2011}} He scored the winning goal in the home match against Lithuania on 6 September 2011, in an eventually unsuccessful qualification campaign.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/14805494.stm|title=Scotland 1–0 Lithuania|date=6 September 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

Naismith was recalled to the squad in September 2018, having scored seven goals for Hearts in the initial phase of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45399296 |title=Hearts striker Steven Naismith called up to Scotland squad |work=BBC Sport |date=3 September 2018 |access-date=3 September 2018}} He earned his 50th cap for Scotland on 16 November 2019, in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Cyprus.{{Cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50372897 |publisher=BBC Sport | title = Steven Naismith: 50th cap would justify Hearts return decision | date = 16 November 2019 | access-date = 16 November 2019| first = Keir | last=Murray}}

Although Naismith played for most of his career as a forward, he was also used as a midfielder.{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13036729.Naismith__the_heartbeat_of_Rangers/ |title=Naismith: the heartbeat of Rangers|last=Wilson|first=Richard|date=20 September 2011|work=The Herald|access-date=18 September 2018}} Naismith was used on both right and left flanks for Rangers but also as a central midfielder, with his versatility a key attribute. Billy Brown, who coached Naismith at Kilmarnock, likened his play with Alan Smith who started his career as a striker but ended up playing midfield for Manchester United.

Naismith's play has also been attributed to his committed and fearless nature with an awareness and shrewdness which is required to play in a number of positions on the park. Craig Levein was known to utilise Naismith for his attacking instincts, workrate and sense of responsibility during his tenure as Scotland manager. Ally McCoist, who managed Naismith at Rangers, said that Naismith's natural zest and enthusiasm were some of his biggest strengths.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15062412.stm|title=Rangers' Steven Naismith banned after elbow incident|date=26 September 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 September 2011}}

After Naismith retired from playing in June 2021, he was appointed player development manager by Hearts. Naismith also joined the coaching staff of the Scotland national team. He became manager of the Hearts 'B' team in 2022, and was appointed interim manager of their first team in April 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65230941 |title=Heart of Midlothian: Steven Naismith is appointed interim boss until end of season |website=BBC Sport |date=10 April 2023 |accessdate=10 April 2023}} Naismith was appointed on a permanent basis in June 2023, but was given the job title of technical director as he had not yet achieved the required UEFA coaching licences in order to represent the club in European competition (this role was taken by Frankie McAvoy).{{cite web |url=https://news.stv.tv/sport/hearts-confirm-steven-naismith-is-to-remain-in-charge-of-first-team-at-tynecastle |title=Hearts confirm Steven Naismith is to remain in charge of first team at Tynecastle |website=STV News |date=7 June 2023 |accessdate=7 June 2023 |first=Andy |last=Coyle}} In September 2023, a week after Hearts had been eliminated from the Europa Conference League, Naismith was made head coach and McAvoy his assistant.{{cite web |url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/naismith-named-head-coach |title=Naismith named Head Coach |website=heartsfc.co.uk |date=6 September 2023 |accessdate=6 September 2023}}

On 22 September 2024, Naismith was sacked as manager of Hearts, along with his assistants McAvoy and Gordon Forrest.{{Cite web |title=Club Statement: Steven Naismith – Hearts |url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/blogs/news/club-statement-steven-naismith |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=www.heartsfc.co.uk |language=en}} Hearts were sat bottom of the Scottish Premiership with only a single point gained from their first six matches, and having lost their prior eight games in a row in all competitions.

Naismith is an ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland. He has also launched a scheme to help ease the progress of injured ex-service personnel back into work,{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scotland-ace-steven-naismith-felt-2789792 |title=Scotland ace Steven Naismith: I felt so humbled when soldier on Afghan frontline wrote letter wishing me speedy recovery from knee injury |first=Hugh |last=Keevins |newspaper=Daily Record |date=14 November 2013 |access-date=29 August 2014}} and supports centres for

homeless people in Glasgow and in Liverpool (notably the city's Whitechapel Centre).{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/04/steven-naismith-everton-tickets-liverpool-unemployed |title=Steven Naismith buys Everton tickets to give to Liverpool's unemployed |newspaper=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=4 August 2014 |access-date=29 August 2014}}{{Cite web|last=Kirkbride|first=Phil|date=22 December 2018|title=Exclusive: Naismith on why he continues to help Liverpool's homeless|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-people-steven-naismith-continues-15587101|access-date=21 October 2020|website=Liverpool Echo|language=en}} In August 2014, he donated tickets for Everton matches to be distributed via Liverpool jobcentres to unemployed people actively looking for work.

:Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Naismith goal.

{{updated|match played 21 September 2024}}

• Initially caretaker at Hearts; appointed permanently on 7 June 2023.
• Statistics include UEFA Conference League matches where Naismith acted as a "technical director".

Rangers

• Scottish Premier League: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11
• Scottish Cup: 2008–09
• Scottish League Cup: 2009–10, 2010–11

Hearts

• Scottish Championship: 2020–21

Individual

• SFWA Young Player of the Year: 2005–06{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4911084.stm | title=Naismith young player of the year |work=BBC Sport | date=14 April 2006 | access-date=14 September 2011 }}
• SPFA Young Player of the Year: 2006–07{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6582199.stm|work=BBC Sport|title=Naismith nets young player prize |date=22 April 2007|access-date=2 May 2011}}
• SPL Young Player of the Year: 2005–06,{{cite web | url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/hartley-and-naismith-rewarded-2006-05-18/ | title=Hartley and Naismith rewarded | publisher=SPFL | date=18 May 2006 | access-date=25 April 2017 | archive-date=25 April 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120113/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/hartley-and-naismith-rewarded-2006-05-18/ | url-status=dead }} 2006–07{{cite web | url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/bank-of-scotland-awards-2007-05-21/ | title=Bank of Scotland awards | publisher=SPFL | date=21 May 2007 | access-date=25 April 2017 | archive-date=25 April 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425121948/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/bank-of-scotland-awards-2007-05-21/ | url-status=dead }}
• Scottish Premier League Player of the Month: March 2006,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4873484.stm |title=Naismith collects monthly award |work=BBC Sport|date=3 April 2006|access-date=27 September 2011}} October 2010{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9171521.stm | title=Rangers' Steven Naismith wins October player prize |work=BBC Sport | date=9 November 2010 }}
• Scottish Premiership Player of the Month: September 2018{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/45909097 |title=Watch: Naismith's goals after monthly award |work=BBC Sport |date=18 October 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}}
• Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: August 2005,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4259804.stm| title=Naismith takes young player award | date=19 September 2005 |work=BBC Sport | access-date=27 September 2011}} January 2006,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/4691396.stm | title=Naismith plays down latest award | date=7 February 2006 |work=BBC Sport | access-date=27 September 2011}} March 2007{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/6530341.stm |title=Naismith picks up monthly prize |work=BBC Sport|date=5 April 2007|access-date=27 September 2011}}

• Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month: November 2023

• List of Scotland national football team captains

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{{2006–07 PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Naismith, Steven}}

Category:1986 births

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