What's happened
St Johnstone appoints Jordi Aluja as assistant coach amid mixed reactions from fans. Meanwhile, Harry Watling is set to join Middlesbrough as assistant manager, following a 200-day absence from football. Both appointments reflect a shift in coaching strategies within Scottish and English football.
What's behind the headline?
Coaching Dynamics
-
Youth vs Experience: Aluja's appointment at St Johnstone highlights a trend towards younger coaches in football, contrasting with traditional preferences for experienced figures. This shift may reflect a broader strategy to develop talent and adapt to modern football demands.
-
Fan Sentiment: The mixed reactions from St Johnstone fans indicate a divide between traditional expectations and innovative approaches. While some view Aluja as a risk, others see potential for growth and fresh ideas.
-
Middlesbrough's Ambitions: Watling's return to football with Middlesbrough signals the club's intent to build a competitive team in the EFL Championship. His previous experience at Rangers, despite a rocky tenure, may provide valuable insights into player management and development.
-
Future Implications: Both appointments could set a precedent for how clubs in Scotland and England approach coaching roles, emphasizing adaptability and the importance of fresh perspectives in a rapidly evolving sport.
What the papers say
According to Graham Falk in The Scotsman, St Johnstone's decision to appoint Jordi Aluja has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concerns about the lack of experience. However, former St Johnstone scout Stevie Grieve praised Aluja's coaching abilities, stating, "Jordi is an excellent coach... with a track record of developing players."
In a separate report, Louise Taylor from The Guardian notes that Middlesbrough is close to finalizing Rob Edwards as head coach, with Harry Watling expected to join him as assistant. This move follows a disappointing season for Middlesbrough, and the club aims to leverage Watling's experience to enhance their performance in the Championship.
How we got here
St Johnstone's recent relegation from the Scottish Premiership prompted a reshuffle in their coaching staff. Aluja's appointment comes as the club seeks to revitalize its approach. Concurrently, Middlesbrough is looking to strengthen its management team after the departure of Michael Carrick.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Aluja's appointment?
- How will Watling's experience impact Middlesbrough?
- What do fans think about these coaching changes?
Common question
-
What are the recent coaching changes in Scottish football?
Recent coaching changes in Scottish football have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. With St Johnstone appointing Jordi Aluja as assistant coach and Middlesbrough bringing in Harry Watling, the landscape of coaching strategies is evolving. What do these changes mean for the teams involved and the future of football in Scotland?
More on these topics
-
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
-
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by
-
Michael Carrick is an English professional football coach and former player who is currently working as a first-team coach at Manchester United.
-
Middlesbrough is a large post-industrial town in North Yorkshire, England. The local council, a unitary authority, is Middlesbrough Borough Council.