Tam Courts is set to be appointed as the new Scotland Under-19s head coach. The former Dundee United and Honved boss has been headhunted by the Scottish Football Association's chief footballing officer Craig Mulholland.
The 45-year-old returns from Saudi Arabia, where he was a development coach with Al-Qadsiah. Courts has a proven track record in developing young talent, having made his name in the United academy and continued that work with Al-Qadsiah.
Coaching structure revamped
Neil MacFarlane had been in charge of the Under-19s. He will remain involved but also holds a top position at Brentford. The SFA wants dedicated coaches to hold their top positions, to watch players and provide the right pathway for its future generations of stars.
Scotland and Mulholland have already totally revamped the coaching structure at the SFA from top to bottom in recent weeks. Sebastien Pocognoli has been appointed as the new national coach, replacing Steve Clarke, who stepped down after the World Cup finals. The Belgian has managed Monaco and led Union St Gilloise to the title.
Under-17s and Under-21s changes
Pocognoli will be assisted by Alan Irvine, Luke Benstead, Cameron Campbell and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods. The SFA have also changed the coaching set-up at Under-21 level, after long-serving Scot Gemmill stepped down in the summer. Former Dundee and Ross County boss Tony Docherty has been confirmed as his successor, assisted by Stevie Naismith, who had been assistant coach to Clarke at senior level.
Scotland are also set to appoint a new head coach at Under-17 level after Brian McLaughlin left in the summer. Former Rangers academy director David McCallum is set to land that position.
Proposals to boost young Scottish players
The SFA are looking to really push the game on in Scotland. They held a 'Made in Scotland?' gathering with all the senior clubs and officials at St Andrews last week. Mulholland said after the event it was to avoid a future crisis and a shortage of Scottish players for our clubs and national teams.
The aim is to try and convince teams to give more young Scottish players more exposure. They have put forward proposals that would see more youngsters getting more game time across the league and both cup competitions. The SFA has also put forward a £1 million fund to reward players financially if they give youth a chance.
The proposals are set to be voted on by the clubs before the end of the year. SFA officials have since pushed on and are now meeting clubs individually to try and strengthen support for their proposals.
