Belgian Pocognoli appointed new Scotland head coach

Former Monaco manager Sebastian Pocognoli has been appointed new Scotland head coach.

SFA CEO Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland had been leading the search to appoint Steve Clarke’s successor following his departure in June.

Clarke stood down from his post following a group stage exit from the 2026 World Cup.

On Sunday, Pocognoli was appointed as his replacement, signing an initial two-year contract.

He will now lead Scotland into the forthcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins in September.

The 39-year-old guided Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian league title last year, before moving on to Monaco, who he left in June.

During his playing career, he represented West Brom and spent a season on loan at Brighton.

Confirmation of his backroom staff will follow in due course.

He said: “It’s an honour to be asked to become the Head Coach of the Scotland National Team.

“When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity. Scotland’s supporters are famous for their passion – most recently at the World Cup in the USA – and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013.

“Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.

“Since negotiations began, I have been doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions and looking at areas that we can build on. I am hugely excited by the prospect and look forward to working with the players to achieve even more success.

“We don’t have long until the first camp, so the coming weeks will be spent preparing for the UEFA Nations League and putting those plans into action on the training pitch when we meet up next month.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA’s Chief Executive: “We are delighted to have Sébastien on board.

“He was the standout candidate from a thorough process: a very impressive individual, with a real desire to take on the role and a clear vision for how he wants to go about it.

“Sébastien inherits a talented squad who just took us to a first FIFA World Cup in 28 years, and I’d like to reiterate my thanks to Steve Clarke and his staff for their work and the foundations they’ve put in place.

“I’m excited to see how we build on that ahead of a new UEFA Nations League campaign.”

Craig Mulholland, Chief Football Officer: “Sébastien’s appointment is an exciting moment for Scottish football. He is one of Europe’s brightest and most sought-after coaches.

“He will bring an aggressive, front-foot style of play that will excite supporters. He will now build on the outstanding work and excellent foundations left by Steve Clarke and his staff.

“While our extensive search was informed by data and insight – and Sébastien’s metrics matched what we believe necessary to enhance and evolve from a position of strength – it’s as important to us that his personality and character will allow him to connect with a fantastic group of players.

“I am delighted we have secured a talent like Sébastien and I look forward to this exciting journey ahead – starting next month.”