Gemmill leaves Scotland U21 role after 13 years

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reported that Scot Gemmill is leaving his post as Scotland Under-21 head coach after 13 years, following an announcement by the Scottish FA. The departure ends a long spell in Scotland’s youth coaching structure for the former national-team midfielder, who had also previously worked with the country’s under-17 side.

Gemmill, 55, did not lead the Under-21s to a European Championship finals during his time in charge, but BBC Sport noted one of the team’s standout results under him was a fourth-place finish at the Toulon Tournament in 2018. His playing career was largely spent in England, including spells with Nottingham Forest, Everton, Preston North End, Leicester City and Oxford United, before a period with New Zealand Knights.

Scottish FA chief football officer Craig Mulholland thanked Gemmill for what he described as many years of service to the game in Scotland, saying he was highly regarded by colleagues and by young players who had worked with him across age groups. Mulholland also said Gemmill had represented Scotland with distinction as both a player and a coach, and wished him well in his next role.

The change comes ahead of Scotland Under-21s’ autumn European Championship qualifying fixtures. According to the BBC report, Scotland are due to host Azerbaijan on 30 September before travelling to face Bulgaria on 6 October.