'Cartwheels at breakfast' & kicking about Boston - the culture shift in Scotland camp — Sport

Scotland lead Group C following opening matches

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We were told last week to anticipate a "different Steve Clarke".

I'm not certain we expected him to be "doing cartwheels at breakfast".

Assistant manager Steven Naismith was, naturally, joking about Clarke's reaction to Scotland's win over Haiti on Saturday – the nation's first World Cup victory in 36 years – yet it highlights the transformation within the squad and coaching staff.

The head coach has not concealed in recent weeks that he "didn't enjoy" the first two major tournaments he guided his country through and vowed he would "soak it up" in the United States.

It's evident that message is being passed on to the players as well.

The history-makers did not celebrate in Boston on Saturday night; instead, they were awake at dawn on Sunday for downtime with their families and friends.

"In previous tournaments, that wasn't there," Naismith told reporters on Monday, back at the squad's base camp in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Just being a dad, a husband, a son. That wasn't present.

"What we're doing now is effective – and hopefully it continues."

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Steve Clarke 'managing to enjoy it a bit more' at World Cup

It's impossible to overlook the change in the typically stoic Clarke.

Down in Fort Lauderdale two weeks ago, at the squad's pre-tournament camp at Inter Miami's training facility, Clarke came over to the pitch-side media – unexpectedly – for a brief chat.

Such a relaxed demeanour might be hoped for on the first day of a special period, but past experience suggests that rarely lasts.

Nevertheless, Clarke's open conversation with Eilidh Barbour before his light pre-match press conference at Boston Stadium on Friday – where he joked that what he learned from Euro 2024 was "don't get thrashed" – demonstrates his more laid-back approach this time.

"He's been to two tournaments, he's told you he didn't enjoy them, he's sat and reflected on why, and then it's about what he can do to make it more enjoyable, firstly for himself," said Naismith, who never qualified for a major tournament as a player.

"Before the tournament, there was so much work done in terms of what the players want, what they need, what they didn't like before.

"Bringing families closer, having more family time, having periods of intense work and then relaxing, taking that pressure off so you're not constantly thinking about football.

"I think it's worked well."

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Connection with fans 'as good as it's ever been'

There has been no shortage of photos or clips on social media of the Scotland squad immersing themselves in the positive atmosphere the Tartan Army have brought to Boston over the past few days.

Injured Billy Gilmour, who is expected to rejoin his teammates in North Carolina, was seen enjoying the 'Scotland Celebration' at Fenway Park on Sunday, while many squad members were photographed on Boston's streets by supporters.

Naismith emphasised the team's desire to be part of the experience, where fans have been "showing how amazing a country we are".

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"That's been a big change in terms of us embracing that," he added.

"We want to be part of that experience. We go to Boston a couple of days early, they're walking around the city at certain points, seeing fans, so the connection, for me, has been as good as it's ever been.

"There's not an attempt to stay away from it, but there's also that respect on the side that the players have a job to do here. It's been brilliant."

The story has been the same in Charlotte, where on Monday it was Ben Gannon-Doak's turn to make the media laugh.

The squad returned south on Sunday night later than planned due to a flight delay. And, despite having a training session at 21:30 local time on Sunday, the 20-year-old who stole the show for Scotland on Saturday bounced into the room.

He joked about his "calves leaving the stadium before I did", while last week, Aaron Hickey, Craig Gordon, John McGinn and Kenny McLean were equally upbeat.

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Gannon-Doak "not surprised to be hooked" against Haiti...

It may seem minor, but there's been a noticeable difference in output and access to the team.

From learning that Liam Kelly shaves Grant Hanley's back, to a behind-the-scenes tour, external of the impressive training facility in North Carolina – adorned with Scotland branding and inspiring images and quotes – the squad has not seemed as isolated as they did two years ago at the European Championships.

The hope is that they can continue to do things differently in their quest for more history as the first Scotland squad to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament.

Things have started much better than they did in Germany... no "thrashing" eh, Steve?