SBOTOP: Steven Naismith Appointed Scotland Assistant as Leicester’s Andrew Hughes Takes on Set-Piece Coach Role

The Scotland national team is undergoing significant restructuring within its backroom staff as preparations intensify for the upcoming international calendar. In a move that has sparked optimism among fans and pundits alike, former international forward Steven Naismith has been officially appointed as assistant coach to Steve Clarke, while Andrew Hughes of Leicester City has been recruited as the new set-piece coach.

This dual announcement reflects a clear intent from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to reinforce the technical depth of the coaching setup, sharpen tactical execution, and build upon the growing momentum surrounding Scottish football in recent years. With Scotland already making notable strides on the international stage under Clarke, the addition of Naismith and Hughes is being framed as a decisive step toward ensuring competitiveness in both European and global competitions.

Naismith’s Journey from Pitch to Dugout

Steven Naismith’s career as a player remains etched in the minds of many Scottish fans. Known for his versatility across the forward line, sharp football intelligence, and relentless work rate, Naismith amassed 51 caps for the Scotland national team between 2007 and 2019. His international career included crucial goals in qualifiers and consistent leadership on and off the pitch.

At the club level, Naismith’s path spanned several prominent institutions: starting at Kilmarnock, flourishing at Rangers, testing himself in England’s Premier League with Everton and Norwich City, and later bringing experience back to Scotland with Hearts. His journey, marked by highs and lows, taught him resilience—an attribute he now brings into coaching.

Since retiring as a player in 2021, Naismith transitioned into a managerial role with Heart of Midlothian. Initially serving in caretaker and development capacities, he eventually became manager of Hearts, where his tactical acumen and player-management skills were praised despite the challenges of steering a club through transitional phases. His ability to communicate effectively with players, coupled with a deep understanding of the Scottish football culture, positioned him as a natural candidate to join Clarke’s setup.

Naismith himself expressed excitement over the appointment:

“It’s a huge honor to serve Scotland again, this time from the dugout. I’ve experienced international football as a player, and now I want to contribute to this new era by supporting Steve and the squad. The ambition is clear—we want Scotland not just to qualify for tournaments but to compete and progress.”

Steve Clarke’s Vision and Why Naismith Fits

Steve Clarke, widely respected for transforming Scotland into a disciplined and competitive side, has always emphasized structure, organization, and unity. His leadership took Scotland to Euro 2020, their first major tournament in over two decades, and more recently secured qualification for Euro 2024.

Clarke’s appointment of Naismith reflects both strategic foresight and personal trust. Naismith understands the demands of modern football while also embodying the passion of representing Scotland. His experience as a forward provides a complementary balance to Clarke’s defensive background.

Clarke noted:

“Steven knows international football. He understands what it means to play for Scotland and he’s got the coaching qualities to add real value to the staff. I see him helping bridge communication with players while also bringing fresh ideas.”

The appointment highlights Clarke’s philosophy of surrounding himself with individuals who not only bring technical skills but also connect with the emotional and cultural aspects of the Scottish game.

The Rising Importance of Set-Piece Coaching

Alongside Naismith’s appointment, the inclusion of Andrew Hughes as set-piece coach represents Scotland’s intent to keep pace with evolving football trends. In the modern game, set-pieces have grown into decisive elements, often separating teams in tight contests. Clubs like Liverpool, Brentford, and Manchester City have invested heavily in specialized set-piece analysts and coaches, reaping significant rewards.

Hughes arrives from Leicester City, where he was instrumental in refining the Foxes’ set-piece strategies. His work contributed to both offensive efficiency and defensive solidity during his tenure. Known for a data-driven, detail-oriented approach, Hughes combines traditional coaching with modern analytics to identify patterns, exploit weaknesses, and neutralize opposition strengths.

For Scotland, this move is particularly significant. In past campaigns, Clarke’s side demonstrated grit and organization but occasionally fell short in capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. With Hughes on board, the aim is to convert Scotland’s aerial prowess and physicality into consistent goal-scoring avenues while simultaneously tightening defensive routines.

Hughes commented on the role:

“International football often comes down to fine margins. Set-pieces can make all the difference, and I’m excited to bring my experience to help Scotland gain that extra edge. The players already have the physical qualities, and it’s about refining the details.”

Reaction from Fans and Analysts

The announcements have generated widespread discussion across the Scottish football community. Many supporters see Naismith’s appointment as a symbolic bridge between generations—a former player now shaping the future of the national side. Fans admire his outspoken leadership style and familiarity with the modern game.

Analysts, meanwhile, have praised the SFA for investing in a set-piece coach, calling it a “progressive step.” Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton remarked on national radio:

“Scotland have the players to hurt teams from dead-ball situations. Having a specialist like Hughes is forward-thinking. And with Naismith joining Clarke, you get that blend of experience, modern perspective, and passion. It’s a win-win.”

There have also been comparisons to other nations that leaned heavily on set-piece strategies at tournaments. Iceland’s Euro 2016 campaign, England’s 2018 World Cup run, and Denmark’s recent success all underscored the impact of structured dead-ball routines. Fans now hope Scotland can replicate such efficiency.

Scotland’s Immediate Challenges

The changes to the coaching staff come at a pivotal moment. Scotland face an intense period of fixtures in the UEFA Nations League and the final rounds of preparation for Euro 2024 in Germany. Clarke’s side has been drawn against formidable opponents, and maximizing every tactical advantage will be crucial.

Key challenges include:

Integrating Naismith Quickly – Building trust with players and aligning with Clarke’s philosophy while introducing his own input.
Implementing Hughes’ Routines – Drilling set-piece patterns effectively in limited training time typical of international breaks.
Managing Squad Expectations – Scotland’s improved performances have raised fan hopes; balancing ambition with realism is vital.
Competing Against Elite Teams – Nations like Spain, France, and Germany have depth and resources far greater; Scotland must rely on unity and tactical discipline.