Scotland U21s shine in revamped setup debut

Scotland's Under-21 side kicked off a new era with a dominant 5-2 victory over Azerbaijan. The match marked the first outing for new head coach Tony Docherty and his assistant Steven Naismith, who were appointed following the departure of long-serving youth coach Scot Gemmill.

Rangers winger Findlay Curtis was the standout performer, playing a role in all five goals, while Tyler Fletcher and James Wilson also found the net. The performance was characterized by aggressive pressing and an attacking fluidity that aligns with the requirements set by the new coaching staff.

The overhaul is part of a wider initiative led by the Scottish FA's new chief football officer, Craig Mulholland. The objective is to establish a streamlined pathway for youth players into Sebastien Pocognoli's senior squad by mirroring the first team's structure and game model.

My message to them was I want you to create an identity for the Scotland Under-21 team - by your attacking style of play, by your counter pressing. And I thought we did that in abundance. Tony Docherty

Beyond the U21s, the SFA has revamped its entire youth structure from the U14 level upwards. The association has brought in coaches with significant Scottish club experience, such as Tam Courts, David McCallum, and Rhys McCabe, to help foster a cohesive 'Scottish DNA' across the age groups. This strategy aims to combine passion and hard work with the technical improvements necessary to compete at the highest level.