Docherty appointed Scotland Under-21 head coach

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Tony Docherty has been appointed Scotland Under-21 head coach, with former Scotland international Steven Naismith joining him as assistant. The change gives the Scottish Football Association a new leadership team for its youth side, replacing Scot Gemmill, who had led the Under-21s for almost 10 years.

Docherty, 55, previously managed Dundee and Ross County and has also worked on Scotland’s senior backroom staff under Gordon Strachan. He has coaching experience at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock alongside Derek McInnes. Naismith, 39, was assistant to Steve Clarke for nearly a year and has also managed at club level, including at Hearts.

The appointments come after Clarke left the senior Scotland post following the World Cup campaign, and after the SFA recently named Sebastien Pocognoli as his successor. According to Docherty, the role is part of a wider effort to build a clearer national identity and strengthen links with clubs. Naismith said the job would allow him to pass on experience to young players aiming for international careers.

The move matters because the Under-21 team is a key part of Scotland’s player pathway. The new staff are expected to focus not only on results, but also on developing players and supporting the broader national setup.