Who Is Martin Mark? Newcastle United’s New Set-Piece Coach

Newcastle United continue to modernize their football operations with a major behind-the-scenes addition: the appointment of Martin Mark as the club’s first-ever First-Team Set-Piece Coach.

While not a household name—yet—Mark’s track record suggests he could become a hidden weapon in Newcastle United's quest for further success this season. This appointment should excite Newcastle United fans, as it represents not just a tactical evolution, but also a continuation of the excellent set-play groundwork already laid by first team coaches; Jason Tindall and Stephen Purches, as well as set-piece analyst Kieran Taylor, over recent seasons. With a dedicated role now in place, the club is clearly looking to level up even further.

From Denmark to Tyneside

At just 31 years old, Martin Mark already boasts an impressive coaching résumé. A native of Denmark, he joins Newcastle from FC Midtjylland, where he spent the last several seasons establishing himself as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking set-piece minds.

After rising through the youth coaching ranks at Midtjylland, Mark became the club’s Head of Set Pieces in 2022. His impact was immediate and measurable: under his guidance, Midtjylland became one of the most dangerous teams in Europe from dead-ball situations.

It’s also worth noting that FC Midtjylland are a club renowned for their set-piece culture—an organization that has long prioritized restarts as a key tactical frontier and even display a Set Play league table at their training ground. While Mark wasn't the sole architect of that culture, his time there will have given him a wealth of experience and insights that he can now bring to Newcastle United. 

Set-Piece Masterclass at Midtjylland

Mark's work at Midtjylland wasn't just statistically impressive—it helped deliver silverware. In the 2023–24 season, Midtjylland lifted the Danish Superliga title, and they topped the regular season table again in 2024–25. One of the standout metrics was an astonishing 27 of their 64 league goals in the 2024–25 season came from set plays.

Their attacking routines were sharp, varied, and rehearsed to perfection. The team also made a strong showing in Europe, reaching the Europa League knockout stages.

50 Set Play Goals

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You can find a number of FC Midtjylland's set play routines included in our latest resource; 50 Set Play Goals.

Responsibilities at Newcastle United

According to the job description of Mark's role, he will lead the strategic planning, design, and execution of all offensive and defensive set-play routines. 

Martin Mark's responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing set-piece routines.

• Using data and video platforms like Hudl and Wyscout.

• Leading position-specific training for restarts.

• Collaborating with analysts to identify trends and weaknesses in opposition setups.

  
  

His appointment isn't just about designing corner routines—it’s about maximizing every restart, from throw-ins to indirect free kicks, using structured innovation and effective coaching.

One intriguing tactic that could make its way to St. James’ Park is the use of long throw-ins—a hallmark of FC Midtjylland’s approach. This method, while simple, has proven extremely effective, particularly in the Premier League where Brentford used it with notable success last season. If Mark introduced this tactic into Newcastle United's set play strategy, it could offer yet another unpredictable dimension to the team’s set-play strategy.

The Bigger Picture: Newcastle United's Evolution

Mark's hiring represents a broader shift at Newcastle United towards elite-level specialization throughout different football departments within the club. Clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Brentford have shown, having a dedicated set-piece coach can significantly boost a team’s efficiency—especially in tightly contested matches.

By creating this new role and selecting a coach with both theoretical and practical experience in a high-level set-piece environment, Newcastle United are aiming to refine an already effective aspect of their game.

Final Thoughts

Martin Mark may not be the headline signing for Newcastle United this summer, but he could prove to be extremely valuable. With his tactical insight, analytical approach, and proven track record, he’s poised to become a key figure of the first team staff.This is not just a new hire—it’s a strategic investment. By bringing in someone who understands the power of set plays and has lived inside a club where they’re woven into the identity of the club. 

It will certainly be interesting to see how Newcastle United’s set pieces evolve during the 2025/26 season.