Full Breakdown
Celtic Appoints Set-Piece Coach Ross Grant from Hearts
6/29/2026, 2:52:30 PM
Celtic Appoints Set-Piece Coach Ross Grant
Celtic confirmed that Ross Grant, formerly Hearts’ dedicated set-piece coach, will join Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff for the 2024-25 season. Grant’s remit will be set-piece analysis and coaching, filling the vacancy left by Gavin Strachan’s move to West Brom. The appointment was announced on Sunday, shortly after Hearts confirmed his departure.
Grant’s Set-Piece Track Record
In the 2023-24 Premiership, Hearts scored 18 set-piece goals, 15 from corners – the league’s highest corner tally. Celtic and Rangers each recorded 23 set-piece goals, leading the league overall. Grant arrived at Hearts last summer after four years at Dundee United and was credited for the club’s offensive and defensive set-piece performance.
Key Figures
- Ross Grant – UEFA ‘A’ Licence holder, first dedicated set-play coach in the Scottish Premiership.
- Martin O’Neill – Celtic manager, overseeing Grant’s integration.
- Derek McInnes – Rangers manager, who praised Grant as his “best signing so far.”
- Wouter Vrancken – New Hearts head coach, succeeding McInnes.
Official Statements & Responses
Celtic’s release highlighted the club’s ongoing backroom development and Grant’s expertise in set-piece analysis. Hearts thanked Grant for his contributions at Tynecastle. O’Neill expressed enthusiasm about adding a “highly rated coach,” while McInnes described Grant as his best signing to date.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition to the appointment was identified in the available reports.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Hearts’ total set-piece goals: one cites 18 overall, another references 23 goals shared with Rangers. Details on Grant’s contract length, remuneration and performance targets were not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “View 2 Images Ross Grant (Image: SNS Group) ? Hoops boss O'Neill added: "I am really pleased to welcome Ross to our backroom staff, I know he is a highly rated coach and look forward to working with him.” — Martin O’Neill, Celtic manager
- “best signing so far” — Derek McInnes, Rangers manager
- “The club has been working on developing its football backroom team in recent weeks and we are now also pleased to confirm that Ross Grant will be joining Martin O'Neill's coaching staff, with Ross having particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching.” — Celtic official statement
- “We can confirm that Ross Grant has departed to take up a position at Celtic.” — Hearts official statement
- “Ross joins the Premiership champions from Heart of Midlothian, where he was a hugely important part of their coaching team last season.” — Celtic official statement
What’s Next
Grant will begin duties ahead of pre-season training, with Celtic aiming to convert his expertise into a measurable increase in dead-ball goals for the upcoming campaign. The club’s focus on specialist coaching suggests further appointments may follow as it seeks to sustain domestic dominance.
