Jones promoted to Performance Director by Scottish FA

GRAEME JONES has been promoted to Performance Director by the Scottish Football Association, bringing “performance oversight” across all men’s and women’s national teams.

Jones has worked for the SFA for more than eight years, first as their Head of Football Science and Medicine and then as Head of High Performance for the men’s senior national side.

The enhanced role will see him involved with all national teams from the A squad down, with “responsibility for implementing a world-class system and winning culture to ensure all international players – current and future – are inspired to deliver success.”

He will lead all performance support areas, including sports science, medicine, analysis, data, scouting and talent identification.

Jones said: “The culture of performance has improved dramatically during my time at the Association and the role of Performance Director is key to enhancing the experience for players within the set-up but also to provide a consistency and expectation for every player who enters the international pathway.

“It is important we have an overarching strategy and philosophy, but it is essential that it is data-led and player-informed, to make sure we have can provide a tailored approach for each individual and to give clubs the comfort that their players have the best experience possible while on international duty.

“The football department at the Association and the network of specialists we call upon from clubs will be integral to our future success and I look forward to supporting them as we seek to continue to raise the standards of performance on and off the field.”

When TGG interviewed Jones in 2020, he explained that his department had consisted of just one doctor, a sports scientist and a physio when he arrived at the SFA. There was no GPS and no data analysis.

“I remember sitting down in my office at Oriam on my first day and writing three key things that needed to change on a whiteboard on the wall,” he revealed.

“Number one was communication. Two was relationships. Three was staff and services. Now the environment is right and the chemistry between the players, coaches and support staff is right.”

Chief Football Officer Andy Gould remains in charge of “technical aspects within the association”, including Club Academy Scotland, Elite Coach Development and JD Performance Schools.

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