John Carver has been named the new head coach of Lechia Gdańsk, marking his return to a managerial role for the first time since a brief spell with Omonia Nicosia in 2016-17. Despite this new challenge, Carver, 59, will continue in his position as assistant coach to Steve Clarke with the Scotland national team, a role he has held since 2020.
Carver is well-versed in top-tier football, having worked as an assistant manager at Newcastle United under Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew. After Pardew’s departure in 2014, Carver stepped in as interim manager, guiding the team through a tense relegation battle that went down to the final match of the season.
At Lechia Gdańsk, who currently sit second from the bottom in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Carver faces the challenge of steering the club to safety. His contract runs until the end of the 2024/25 season, with an option for a one-year extension.
Lechia’s official statement confirmed Carver’s appointment and outlined that, despite his new role, he will remain with the Scotland team during international breaks. Carver is set to join the Scotland staff for their Euro 2025 play-off fixtures against Greece in March 2025. He will officially begin his duties with Lechia on December 2, after meeting with the team following their match against GKS Katowice. Carver will also hold a press conference ahead of Lechia’s clash with Slask Wrocław on December 5.
