Ross Grant Takes On Celtic Set‑Piece Duties

Grant’s Dual Role: Analysis and On‑Field Coaching

The newly appointed specialist set‑piece coach explained that his job blends deep statistical work with hands‑on guidance on the pitch. From the club’s pre‑season base in Portugal, he outlined a routine that spends most of its time poring over videos of Celtic and their opponents to pinpoint dead‑ball opportunities. He joined the Scottish giants after a successful stint at Hearts, where his methods helped the Tynecastle side notch 23 goals from corners, free‑kicks and throw‑ins last campaign. Grant now hopes to replicate that outward‑shooting success for Celtic.

Speaking to Celtic’s official podcast, Grant described his responsibilities as “quite heavy analysis based in the background,” emphasizing the need to spot patterns that can be exploited on both ends of the field. He added that the goal is to craft attacking and defensive structures that complement the club’s existing style, ensuring that set‑piece actions feel natural rather than forced. Collaboration is key: Grant works closely with manager Shaun Maloney, Foz (Mark Fotheringham) and Mick (Stephen McManus) to align set‑piece plans with the broader tactical vision.

Embedding Set‑Pieces Into Celtic’s High‑Tempo Play

Grant made clear that Celtic’s identity revolves around speed and intensity, and any set‑piece must fit that mold without diluting it. When the occasion arises, a rehearsed dead‑ball routine becomes an extra avenue to find the net, not a break in the flow. He highlighted that the focus is on both creating chances and shutting down the opposition, a dual objective that mirrors his previous work at Hearts. Ultimately, the aim is to add a reliable extra weapon that respects Celtic’s attacking philosophy.

The former Hearts coach’s appointment signals Celtic’s commitment to polishing a crucial, often overlooked facet of modern football. By dedicated analysis and seamless integration with the existing squad, Grant intends to lift Celtic’s set‑piece effectiveness to a new level, matching the impressive 23‑goal tally he helped engineer elsewhere.