Scotland: What's Changed?

[Sylar]

Of course, the caveat is that I'm trying not to get carried away here but what exactly has changed for Scotland? We're quick to kick our authorities etc when they frequently get things wrong (and they still do), but have the achieved something with the current Scotland squad or is it fortunate timing with emergence of players?

Is this the result of efforts at grassroots level resulting in some cracking young players going on to play for elite clubs and becoming exceptional players? I look around the squad and I see some players verging on world class, and definitely some that are exceptional talents - Hickey, Hendry, Tierney, Robertson, Gilmour, McGinn, McTominay...all utterly outstanding for country lately. If the SFA have put things in place to develop this current crop of players, they deserve praise - if this is the sheer magicianship of Steve Clarke, he deserves serious praise (and I'll admit I doubted his appointment early doors - absolutely not now).

Whatever the driver behind the recent successes and progress, it's a weird feeling being optimistic about the national team - long may it continue.

[Northernhibee]

Steve Clarke's done an incredible job. Tactically we play like a club team, the way that the team play is really well disciplined and there's a confidence about them. Looking back, the first goal against Norway was a great example, despite being a goal down with just a handful of minutes left to go we were still trying to pass the ball about, knowing we'd fashion an opportunity at some point.

Giving him time to build that has been a good move.

[SaulGoodman]

Scott McTominay’s dad

[SHODAN]

The Playstations and Xboxes Prohibition Act of 2019.

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

Football porn right there 26902

[Smartie]

There are some top class players in there, better than we've had for a while - Robertson, Tierney, McTominay, McGregor and McGinn.

The "club side" spirit Clarke has fostered has helped no end, the players look like they desperately want to be there. Too often in the past it's been the case that we've had players who'd rather be at Celtic, Rangers or their English clubs than having to co-operate with their national team team mates.

We've also managed to get a tune out of a lot of our more moderate players, something like likes of Wales have done well in the past when getting an adequate supporting cast for Bale, whether that was O'Donnell for a bit, Porteous of late or even Dykes. We don't appear to have an Achilles heel.

[LewysGot2]

I'm not sure we've any "world class" players...i guess it depends what World Class means to folk. We've got a clutch of genuine international standard players - half a dozen or so - but its team work, team spirit and preparation that seems to be winning the day. That's not to be underestimated.

Robertson is someone who has been a serial winner at one of the biggest clubs in the world. That mentality and confidence has definitely translated itself to the national team. SJM is the talisman though. Add to that the consistency of McTominay, Tierney, McGregor.

Who knows how far this crop can push things. For once it feels like we can begin to hope again...

[Jack Hackett]

Whatever it is, it's magic :greengrin

[Vault Boy]

So, so much. But it’s fair to say that appointing a successful SPFL coach who was in the midst of his best form in management was a better decision than rehiring the old guard out of the abyss.

Clarke has proven himself to be the best Scotland manager in mine and many other folks’ lifetimes, and he needed just a bit of patience and backing to get there. He refreshed the squad and has shown willingness to draft in young talent and give opportunities to SPFL players over out of form, aging EPL or EFL Champ players. Something that had been holding us back previously.

It’s also helped that we’ve had players like McGinn, McTominay, Robertson, Tierney, and McGregor all peaking at similar times.

[Northernhibee]

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but if we get to the Euros I fancy us to do well.

[matty_f]

There are some top class players in there, better than we've had for a while - Robertson, Tierney, McTominay, McGregor and McGinn.

The "club side" spirit Clarke has fostered has helped no end, the players look like they desperately want to be there. Too often in the past it's been the case that we've had players who'd rather be at Celtic, Rangers or their English clubs than having to co-operate with their national team team mates.

We've also managed to get a tune out of a lot of our more moderate players, something like likes of Wales have done well in the past when getting an adequate supporting cast for Bale, whether that was O'Donnell for a bit, Porteous of late or even Dykes. We don't appear to have an Achilles heel.

Think that’s it, in a nutshell.

Having players play in the English Premiership - and at good sides there - is massive. We’ve a handful of players in that side who aren’t overawed at their opponents, in fact, they probably have some opponents in awe of them.

As for Clarke, he found a system to play Tierney and Robertson, and that helps massively as well.

[gbhibby]

We have a top top manager.

[Jack Hackett]

So, so much. But it’s fair to say that appointing a successful SPFL coach who was in the midst of his best form in management was a better decision than rehiring the old guard out of the abyss.

Clarke has proven himself to be the best Scotland manager in mine and many other folks’ lifetimes, and he needed just a bit of patience and backing to get there. He refreshed the squad and has shown willingness to draft in young talent and give opportunities to SPFL players over out of form, aging EPL or EFL Champ players. Something that has been holding us back previously.

It’s also helped that we’ve had players like McGinn, McTominay, Robertson, Tierney, and McGregor all peaking at similar times.

We've come a long, long way since rplunging to our lowest managerial depths with LeVain

[Vault Boy]

Think that’s it, in a nutshell.

Having players play in the English Premiership - and at good sides there - is massive. We’ve a handful of players in that side who aren’t overawed at their opponents, in fact, they probably have some opponents in awe of them.

As for Clarke, he found a system to play Tierney and Robertson, and that helps massively as well.

Aye, the reasonably settled system is huge for us. Tierney and Robertson looked as though they could never share a pitch at one stage a few years back. Now they dovetail perfectly.

[Onion]

A lot of things have come together at once. A very good manager. A collection of under-estimated, highly motivated, quality players such as McGinn, McT, MaGragor, Tierney, Team spirit, common goals and ambition.

Last time I saw that was in the 70s / 80s.

Exciting times. don't blink.

[Northernhibee]

Dykes is also brilliant at creating space for others, and such we have goals in us from a number of players.

[Paul1642]

There are some top class players in there, better than we've had for a while - Robertson, Tierney, McTominay, McGregor and McGinn.

The "club side" spirit Clarke has fostered has helped no end, the players look like they desperately want to be there. Too often in the past it's been the case that we've had players who'd rather be at Celtic, Rangers or their English clubs than having to co-operate with their national team team mates.

We've also managed to get a tune out of a lot of our more moderate players, something like likes of Wales have done well in the past when getting an adequate supporting cast for Bale, whether that was O'Donnell for a bit, Porteous of late or even Dykes. We don't appear to have an Achilles heel.

Think you’ve hit it here. The squad look like the next Scotland fixture can come quickly enough for them.

For most of the last two decades international fixtures have consisted of players pulling out the squad only to then play for their club in the next game, in other words they just couldn’t be bothered or didn’t want to risk injury. That mindset is just inconceivable with our current team.

The bottom line for me is that Steve Clarke is just the perfect fit for Scotland. We don’t need a manager who is good at signing players and winning every week with a top squad. We need a manger who can get the best out of what he has and grind out results against similar or better quality opponents. That’s what Clarke done at Killmarnock and I can’t think of any mangers who we could attract who could have done a better job.

[SteveHFC]

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but if we get to the Euros I fancy us to do well.

We’ll win the Euro’s

[B.H.F.C]

We just have good players now. That’s the biggest difference for me.

Tonight was just easy in a way that Scotland teams don’t make things easy.

[Haymaker]

We’ll win the Euro’s

McTominay doing a SDG.. against England.

It's happening.

[SteveHFC]

McTominay doing a SDG.. against England.

It's happening.

:hyper

[Haymaker]

I don't think it's as simple "having good players" now. This team wants it.

Scotland, always were a tough team to beat as I grew up. Hampden was a horrible place to go.

Sometime after the 99 playoff (which may have been our first competitive defeat at homein a long time, I can't quite remember) we ended up in a state of not being able to even match that. Players went through the motions, some players should have played, didn't etc etc

We've got that back. This team WANTS to play for Scotland. And **** me this team is talented but they also HAVE the desire to play for their country.

I'm ****ing loving this.

[Haymaker]

:hyper

Firm agree

[SteveHFC]

Firm agree

Scotland Fans to invade the pitch.

[patlowe]

I don't think it's as simple "having good players" now. This team wants it.

Scotland, always were a tough team to beat as I grew up. Hampden was a horrible place to go.

Sometime after the 99 playoff (which may have been our first competitive defeat at homein a long time, I can't quite remember) we ended up in a state of not being able to even match that. Players went through the motions, some players should have played, didn't etc etc

We've got that back. This team WANTS to play for Scotland. And **** me this team is talented but they also HAVE the desire to play for their country.

I'm ****ing loving this.

Agree but I think it's that mentality combined with a group of four or five midfielders who, while not world class, are dynamic, hungry and want/take the ball at all times. Genuinely just a joy to watch SJM, Gilmour, McG and McT snapping around in our shirt, with the others all doing a turn as well of course.

[Haymaker]

Agree but I think it's that mentality combined with a group of four or five midfielders who, while not world class, are dynamic, hungry and want/take the ball at all times. Genuinely just a joy to watch SJM, Gilmour, McG and McT snapping around in our shirt, with the others all doing a turn as well of course.

Oh I agree,they all see turning out for Scotland as an actual privilege. And they are a TEAM.

[Allant1981]

I'm not sure we've any "world class" players...i guess it depends what World Class means to folk. We've got a clutch of genuine international standard players - half a dozen or so - but its team work, team spirit and preparation that seems to be winning the day. That's not to be underestimated.

Robertson is someone who has been a serial winner at one of the biggest clubs in the world. That mentality and confidence has definitely translated itself to the national team. SJM is the talisman though. Add to that the consistency of McTominay, Tierney, McGregor.

Who knows how far this crop can push things. For once it feels like we can begin to hope again...

Robertson would walk in to almost every top team in the world so most definitely world class, Tierney probably could as well.

[MWHIBBIES]

No idiots like Burley or Levein in charge. Proper manager given time. Decent group of players too.

[AlbertK86]

Mentality is everything to drive all this crop of really good footballers forward.

The steely determination to win attitude and bring it on character of SJM at Hibs galvanised us and rubbed off on everybody who played alongside him.

Now all of a sudden Scotland have so many players with that mindset in particular SJM, Robbo, Tierney, McGregor, Dykes and McTominay.

Porto has that same attitude, seems to be far more controlled in his aggression and doesn’t, try the ridiculous, stuff he did latterly with us.

Throw in Hickey and Gilmour who are both outstanding young footballers with quietly determined mindsets and all of a sudden we have quality and real positivity right through the team.

Clark has done a fantastic job of instilling confidence and desire even when sometimes many of the players above have been a bit off colour or struggling at club level.

As a Hibs and Scotland fan I am always waiting for the inevitable’f#<€ up. However for the first time since the seventies and early eighties we have a core group of players playing top level football in the hardest league in the world and that is making a big difference for us and I think this team can keep the momentum going.


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[neil7908]

Hardly any OF players starting any more.

There was only McGregor last night in the first 11.

In the past managers have been far too deferential to the OF their players.

We have guys now who want to be here, and have experience playing tough games week in, week out at an intensity that prepares them much better for international football.

[JimBHibees]

Hardly any OF players starting any more.

There was only McGregor last night in the first 11.

In the past managers have been far too deferential to the OF their players.

We have guys now who want to be here, and have experience playing tough games week in, week out at an intensity that prepares them much better for international football.

Great point one of the games we lost to Georgia under McLeish was midweek before an Old firm game a few players called off to miraculously recover for the weekend. McCulloch also looked like he got himself deliberately booked in previous game also to be suspended.

Clarke must tale all the credit he has decent strong characters in that squad who all look like they love to play for Scotland. Has created a great culture over a number of years.

[Hibrandenburg]

I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but if we get to the Euros I fancy us to do well.

"We're on the march with Stevie's army"

[DroitwichHibs]

Great point one of the games we lost to Georgia under McLeish was midweek before an Old firm game a few players called off to miraculously recover for the weekend. McCulloch also looked like he got himself deliberately booked in previous game also to be suspended.

Clarke must tale all the credit he has decent strong characters in that squad who all look like they love to play for Scotland. Has created a great culture over a number of years.

I think the fact that Lee McCulloch was in the squad then, compared to the EPL players now playing speaks for itself!!

[Pretty Boy]

Good players and a good manager.

I look through the current Scotland squad and there aren't many weak links. The goalkeeping situation looked a potential issue but Gunn has slotted in well. Clarke has utilised Tierney and Robertson in a way that works exceptionally well, no playing one on the right, getting them both on the left gives both the confidence to overlap and drive us forward. The midfield almost picks itself with someone like Gilmour coming in last night and not weakening us at all. Dykes is hardly glamorous but he is so effective for Scotland and he scores goals into the bargain.

More than that though the nucleus of the squad has been together a while now. They are all in or close to their prime years, have vast experience at club and international level and it seems almost like a club level of team spirit.

Euro 2024 looks incredibly likely now and I really believe we won't just be watching from afar in 2026 either, I've got a family member in California and a mate in Canada and I might well be picking up the phone sometime soon.

[Chip shop Joe]

That midfield really is something to behold. The fact that Ferguson, who has been outstanding in Serie A can’t even get a game off the bench tells it’s own story.

[Since452]

Confidence and plenty of it. Clarke has instilled that in them. Watching Georgia last night reminded me of watching Scotland in the past. Could barely get the ball and when they did they hoofed it or misplaced passes. They looked terrified of Scotland. And that's a team with a pretty good recent record by the way.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

There can be cyclic aspect to these things and perhaps its' just our turn come around again. There's no doubt , that International Football is back in vogue again and its' become cool to play for Scotland again rather than a chore.

[Mick O'Rourke]

"We're on the march with Stevie's army"

:singing: When you hear the noise of the Tartan Army boys !
We'll be swimming down the road:singing:

[JimBHibees]

I think the fact that Lee McCulloch was in the squad then, compared to the EPL players now playing speaks for itself!!

Yes agree though he did score a beauty in the Ukraine game before. Same team best France home and away.

[hibees 7062]

We've come a long, long way since rplunging to our lowest managerial depths with LeVain

Can’t believe he was discussing tactics before the game 😆

[overdrive]

Good players and a good manager.

I look through the current Scotland squad and there aren't many weak links. The goalkeeping situation looked a potential issue but Gunn has slotted in well. Clarke has utilised Tierney and Robertson in a way that works exceptionally well, no playing one on the right, getting them both on the left gives both the confidence to overlap and drive us forward. The midfield almost picks itself with someone like Gilmour coming in last night and not weakening us at all. Dykes is hardly glamorous but he is so effective for Scotland and he scores goals into the bargain.

More than that though the nucleus of the squad has been together a while now. They are all in or close to their prime years, have vast experience at club and international level and it seems almost like a club level of team spirit.

Euro 2024 looks incredibly likely now and I really believe we won't just be watching from afar in 2026 either, I've got a family member in California and a mate in Canada and I might well be picking up the phone sometime soon.

I think striker is probably the area where we could improve. I think we look better with Adams up front but he rarely scores. Dykes has more goal threat but I don’t think his overall play is as good and is a bit slower than Adams (or indeed Nisbet and Shankland).

[Since452]

Not so long ago we had our "big" players like Barry Ferguson pulling out of squads left, right and center. Now everyone is desperate to pull on the jersey. It seems a really good group and Robertson is a fantastic example as captain.

[SHODAN]

https://i.imgur.com/MF2qY14.png

Far cry from this now. Hope it's being drilled in that players from the same mold as these two won't get close to a Scotland jersey ever again.

[Dashing Bob S]

Clarke is a good manager. He’s found a way to get all our class players - the ones who play in the same position - on the pitch at the same time. He’s also found a way to motivate the journeymen, and blend talented younger players into this side.

We’re organized and motivated. Just need Porteous and Nisbet for emerge as superstars and go into the EPL for big money now…

[blackpoolhibs]

Not so long ago we had our "big" players like Barry Ferguson pulling out of squads left, right and center. Now everyone is desperate to pull on the jersey. It seems a really good group and Robertson is a fantastic example as captain.


https://i.imgur.com/MF2qY14.png

Far cry from this now. Hope it's being drilled in that players from the same mold as these two won't get close to a Scotland jersey ever again.

Absolutely, nobody in this squad thinking they are bigger than the manager, and nobody in the squad thinking club first.

A team of mainly young hungry lads, from the first player to the last sub, with a manager who knows what he's doing.

Things are looking good, what could possibly go wrong? :greengrin

[hibbydog]

I think it’s the benefit of two things

1) Giving the manager time to implement his ideas. And the players time to adapt

2) Momentum. Good things lead to good things. And it’s a great habit to get into, so positivity and enthusiasm is there from the off which increases the chances of things going well

[blackpoolhibs]

I think it’s the benefit of two things

1) Giving the manager time to implement his ideas. And the players time to adapt

2) Momentum. Good things lead to good things. And it’s a great habit to get into, so positivity and enthusiasm is there from the off which increases the chances of things going well

Great point, remember when he first took over, the amount of folk just on here that wanted him out was ridiculous.

[The Harp Awakes]

Clarke is a very good Manager and he proved that in the past in what he did with Killie, which was exceptional.

We have good players throughout the team playing with confidence, but I think our midfield in particular is top drawer and has great balance to it. McGinn, McGregor, Gilmour and McTominay were absolutely outstanding last night. The other thing which has improved dramatically is ball retention. This partly comes with having good players but also through good coaching.

The difference in performances from when Clarke took the job is like night and day.

[ancient hibee]

It’s also helped that Tierney.McTominay and Gilmour have not had a huge amount of game time and probably we’re itching to show what they can do.

[Brummie_Hibs]

https://youtu.be/ZrZbL5F2szc

[Stick]

Was reading an article in a magazine a while ago. (At least I think I did, if it was on hibs.net then apologies, at my age you tend to forget these things quite easily). Anyhow, the article was about a study done by an American university that analysed team games, and found that the optimum mix of players on any team in any sport was to have a mix of “star players”, and “ordinary players”. The mix had to be around 55 to 60% star players with a maximum of 63% stars, any more and it reduces the affect.
Although the great Brazil and Argentine teams of the past might discredit this theory, perhaps they were the exception that proves the rule.
I would guess that the current Scotland team must be at this, or very close to this figure.

[wookie70]

Hardly any OF players starting any more.

There was only McGregor last night in the first 11.

In the past managers have been far too deferential to the OF their players.

We have guys now who want to be here, and have experience playing tough games week in, week out at an intensity that prepares them much better for international football.

Not as many Scottish players playing for the Uglies but I agree that this among many other reason on this thread is a factor. For me the already stated playing as a team and wanting to play are the biggest factor and Clarke is the main reason for both. I have only ever wanted Scotland to play to our strengths. Grit, determination, never shirk a 50 50 and also have the confidence to be a bit gallous. I think we do that now and that means the players have a National identity to get behind. The other big factor is our bench doesn't weaken us greatly and that we have loads of young hungry players so this could actually be a team that performs at this level and better for a number of years. It is brilliant and so good to have a team to be proud of

[Lancs Harp]

Good manager harbouring a good team spirit and good players playing for top domestic teams. The EPL takes some flack but Scotland has a good number of players playing for its top clubs. Add to that in recent years a few talented youngsters trying their luck in Italy and things are looking rosy.

Wales and N Ireland have had their moments in recent years, Scotland are in a much better position than either of those two capitalise and sustain relative success.

Be good to see you back on the main stage :)

[LaMotta]

Clarke is a very good Manager and he proved that in the past in what he did with Killie, which was exceptional.

We have good players throughout the team playing with confidence, but I think our midfield in particular is top drawer and has great balance to it. McGinn, McGregor, Gilmour and McTominay were absolutely outstanding last night. The other thing which has improved dramatically is ball retention. This partly comes with having good players but also through good coaching.

The difference in performances from when Clarke took the job is like night and day.

:agree:

I was in the pub a few years ago on a football team night out and former Hearts keeper Jamie McDonald was there as he knew one of the boys. McDonald (sound bloke actually) was playing for Killie at the time who were absolutely flying under Clarke. I asked him about Clarke and why it was going so well under him - he said basically the players all loved him because he kept thing so simple, and didn't overcomplicate things - and that was the difference from their previous manager(s).

[jacomo]

Steve Clarke's done an incredible job. Tactically we play like a club team, the way that the team play is really well disciplined and there's a confidence about them. Looking back, the first goal against Norway was a great example, despite being a goal down with just a handful of minutes left to go we were still trying to pass the ball about, knowing we'd fashion an opportunity at some point.

Giving him time to build that has been a good move.



:agree:

Keeping faith with Clarke when some were calling for him to go was the key. He’s a good coach and has been helped by having a group of very good players all come through at the same time, with a few very promising younger players as well.