Scotland Under-21s appoint Tony Docherty with Steven Naismith as assistant

The Scottish FA has appointed Tony Docherty to lead Scotland’s Under-21 team, with Steven Naismith joining him as assistant coach. The association confirmed the new coaching team on Monday and said both men will also hold responsibilities beyond their work with the age-group side.

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Docherty and Naismith succeed Scot Gemmill, who left the Scottish FA last month after a long spell in charge of the Under-21s. Their appointments form part of what the association described as a refreshed approach to youth development. Although the pair will begin with the Under-21 team, national youth coaches will periodically rotate across different age groups so they can build a broader knowledge of players throughout Scotland’s pathway.

Alongside his coaching duties, Docherty will lead a new Future Managers initiative and contribute to a revised talent identification process. The Scottish FA said he will also support four clubs through its new Club Growth Programme. Docherty has previously coached within the senior Scotland setup and worked with the association’s coach education team.

Naismith’s additional remit includes leading a mentorship programme for selected young players in Scotland’s development system. He will also contribute to talent identification and the Club Growth Programme, while carrying out his coaching role during international windows. The former Scotland international said he was particularly enthusiastic about using his experience as a player, manager and coach in the mentorship work.

Scottish FA chief football officer Craig Mulholland said senior national-team coach Sébastien Pocognoli participated in the recruitment process. According to Mulholland, that involvement reflected the planned alignment between the Under-21 team and the senior squad, including a shared national-team identity, methodology and standards of behaviour. He said Docherty and Naismith had demonstrated an approach consistent with the association’s new direction during the selection process.

Docherty said his discussions with Mulholland and Pocognoli showed agreement on creating a clear identity for Scotland’s national teams and players. He also highlighted the responsibility to improve the international environment for young players while helping clubs through the new growth project. Naismith said the pathway already had strong foundations but that the association wanted further progress. The Scottish FA said more announcements would follow on Pocognoli’s senior backroom staff and the remaining national youth coaching positions.