SFA send thank you to Hearts after Jambos coach takes new role at Hampden ahead of 'exciting new era'
A Hearts coach has been named in the raft of Scotland coaching additions.
The Scottish FA have announced a fresh coaching line-up for its youth teams.
Sebastien Pocognoli has arrived as senior head coach, with former Dundee boss Tony Docherty in charge of the U21s, assisted by ex-Hearts gaffer Steven Naismith. A new set of coaches have been brought across the age groups with Tam Courts joining on a full-time basis. Boasting managerial experience at Dundee United, he takes a leading role at U19s level, where Hearts transition coach Lee Wallace will assist him alongside his Tynecastle duties.
David McCallum will lead on the U17s after moving on from Rangers, latterly serving as interim academy director, assisted by Celtic ‘B’ team coach Jonny Hayes. Former Airdrie manager Rhys McCabe will be at U16s level with existing SFA duo James Grady and Stephen Clarke, who will also play a role in U14s and U15s development. Peter Leven will help with talent ID after time coaching with Aberdeen with Brentford coach Neil MacFarlane providing experience for all levels. Graeme Smith remains as the goalkeeping lead.
What have SFA said to Hearts about Lee Wallace?
Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, said: “I am delighted to have such a diverse group of coaches working together and complementing one another’s skillsets for the overall benefit of our best talents. This is an exciting new era, with an exciting group of coaches.
“We will now work tirelessly with Sebastien and his staff to ensure a new Scotland team identity and way of working is fully aligned across all our age-groups. I would also like to thank Hearts, Celtic and Brentford for allowing Lee, Jonny and Neil to work with us during the international breaks.”
A statement adds: “All of the new coaches will be called National Youth Team Coaches, as opposed to being designated a permanent age group, as they will work collaboratively as a team, across all age groups ensuring a full knowledge of the Scotland pathway, enhancing out talent identification process, and ensuring a clear alignment and Scotland DNA from Pocognoli down through our teams.
Who has joined Scotland coaching set-up?
“Tam Courts will join the Scottish FA on a full-time basis and his initial designation is to take charge of the U19s, where he will be assisted by Lee Wallace. David McCallum also joins the Scottish FA in a full-time capacity and will initially look after Scotland’s U17s, alongside Jonny Hayes. Rhys McCabe arrives at Barclays Hampden initially working with the U16s, on the back of a stand-out breakthrough coaching role as player-manager of Airdrieonians.
“McCabe will be supported by existing Scottish FA coaches James Grady and Stephen Clarke, who - in addition to the work within the Scottish FA’s JD Performance School set-up - will initially lead an exciting new programme for our U15s and new U14s squads, while both will also take on new opportunities supporting our older age-group squads.
“Also joining the National Youth Team coach group is Peter Leven, who will assist across all age groups, while supporting our new talent ID process. Neil MacFarlane – currently first-team coach at Brentford in English Premier League – will also continue the excellent work he has done with the Scotland. Graeme Smith remains Goalkeeping Coach for the U21s, and is also in charge of our national goalkeeping pathways work.”