John Carver joins Lechia Gdańsk while continuing his role with Scotland
- Carver takes up his first managerial role in seven years after departing from Cyprus’s Omonia Nicosia in 2017
- The experienced coach has been instrumental in Scotland's UEFA Nations League campaign
John Carver, assistant to Steve Clarke in Scotland’s national set-up, has been appointed the new manager of Polish side Lechia Gdańsk.
The UEFA Pro Licence holder took up his position at the Ekstraklasa club on 2nd December, marking the beginning of his first managerial role in seven years after his departure from Cyprus’s Omonia Nicosia in 2017.
Carver — who joined Clarke’s coaching staff in 2020 — has been instrumental in Scotland’s 2024–25 UEFA Nations League campaign, helping the squad to secure memorable wins over Poland and Croatia in November. He will remain with Scotland and will continue his duties for the critical Nations League play-off against Greece in March 2025.
In an exclusive Football Careers interview in January 2024, Carver revealed he had turned down job opportunities that would have forced him to sever his connection with Scotland’s national team. Carver also shared his ambitions to return to club management, stating:
“I still have that drive inside me and I still want to get out on the grass every day. That will never leave me.
“I’m always looking for opportunities that will excite and stimulate me, and I do believe I’d be a better club manager now because of my time on the international scene. Working with elite players and trying to find ways to gain even the tiniest tactical advantage over elite opposition sharpens your coaching skills.”
Now, the experienced coach will use his skills to guide and lead Gdańsk, who are seeking to climb the league table after gaining promotion back into Poland’s top flight of football in May 2024.
Carver’s first game at the helm will see his side take on Śląsk Wrocław at home on Saturday 7th December.
We’re looking forward to following John’s journey as he adapts to this new challenge, and we wish him all the best in his joint endeavours with Gdańsk and Scotland.
