Tony Docherty has been appointed Scotland Under-21 head coach, with former Hearts manager Steven Naismith joining him as assistant coach. The pair will lead the national youth programme following the departure of Scot Gemmill, who held the position for nearly a decade.
Docherty, aged 55, brings extensive experience from his time as manager of Dundee and Ross County, as well as previous roles assisting Derek McInnes at both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock. He was also part of Gordon Strachan's Scotland backroom team during his tenure with the senior national side. Naismith, 39, recently completed a spell as assistant to Steve Clarke in the senior setup, a role he held for almost a year before Clarke's departure following Scotland's World Cup campaign.
The appointments come as part of a broader restructuring of Scotland's coaching infrastructure under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. According to the Scottish FA's official announcement, the Under-21 role changed hands this summer as part of a coordinated transition across the national team setup.
Docherty's Vision for the Role
In his first statement, Docherty outlined his commitment to developing Scottish talent while fostering collaboration with domestic clubs.
I am looking forward to getting straight to work and I'm delighted I'll be joined by Steven, who I have so much respect for as a coach, as a player, and as an individual,he said.
Docherty emphasised the alignment between his vision and that of the Scottish FA leadership.
I had several lengthy conversations with Craig Mulholland and then met Sebastien Pocognoli as part of the process. Everyone is aligned on creating a clear national team and player identity and about doing everything we can to improve every aspect of the national game.
He also highlighted a new collaborative approach with Scottish clubs.
I'm equally enthused by the challenge of supporting our clubs, in a unique new initiative, ensuring we all work together creating real growth.This reflects the Scottish FA's broader commitment to youth development pathways, including the cooperation system launched in 2025, which gives young players greater flexibility during key development stages.
It's up to us to make sure the national team experience is the best that it can be, while pushing young Scottish players to be the best they can be.
Naismith's Role and Experience
Naismith brings significant experience from his recent work at senior level. According to a national sports broadcaster's report, Naismith had been appointed as Steve Clarke's assistant in 2025, giving him direct experience of the senior programme's recent development. He was part of the backroom team that guided Scotland to qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
In his statement, Naismith reflected on his journey within the Scotland setup.
Representing Scotland, in various capacities now, has meant so much to me. I've learned a lot along the way and it's great to have the opportunity, alongside Tony and the rest of the staff, to pass those experiences on to those hoping to carve out international careers.
He emphasised the continuity of ambition within Scottish football's development structure.
I was fortunate to be part of the staff that took Scotland back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and there is a burning desire within the Scottish FA to ensure there is no repeat of that wait.
Naismith will take on a dual role combining coaching responsibilities with a mentorship programme.
There are strong foundations to build on, but there is an obvious drive, energy and focus to enhance every aspect further and see how far it can take us. I am delighted to, of course, be coaching a Scotland team with Tony, but I am most excited by the mentorship programme I will lead, sharing my experiences as a player, manager and coach with some of our brightest young players.
Broader Context Within Scottish Football Development
The Under-21 appointment sits within a wider strategic initiative by the Scottish FA to strengthen its coaching infrastructure. According to a Scottish sports publication's report on 24 August 2026, Docherty was widely expected to take the role, with Naismith having already agreed to work alongside him in the assistant position.
The Scottish FA has been implementing several parallel development programmes to support coaching excellence. The Elite Coaches Development Programme, announced in 2024, represents part of this broader effort to cultivate coaching talent across the national structure. These initiatives complement the cooperation system framework, which continues to shape how young players develop within Scottish football.
Pocognoli's appointment as senior head coach, confirmed on 16 August 2026, marked a significant moment in Scottish football's recent history. The Belgian manager's arrival has prompted a comprehensive review of the national team's support structures, with the Under-21 and senior setups now operating under a unified strategic vision focused on player development and tactical coherence.
Key Facts
- Tony Docherty, 55, replaces Scot Gemmill as Scotland Under-21 head coach after nearly a decade in the role
- Steven Naismith, 39, joins as assistant coach and will lead a new mentorship programme for young players
- Both appointments are part of a coordinated restructuring under new senior head coach Sebastien Pocognoli
- Naismith brings recent senior-level experience, having served as Steve Clarke's assistant until the manager's departure following the World Cup campaign
- The appointments reflect the Scottish FA's commitment to developing player pathways and fostering collaboration between the national team and domestic clubs
