Belgian Pocognoli frontrunner to be Scotland boss

Sebastien Pocognoli, the former Monaco head coach, has been identified by the Scottish FA as their primary candidate to replace Steve Clarke as Scotland’s manager. The 39‑year‑old Belgian departed Monaco at the end of the last season after previously steering Union Saint‑Gilloise to a league title – the club’s first in 90 years – during the 2024/25 campaign. Pocognoli is among several individuals who have been consulted by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who was appointed the association’s chief football officer in May. An announcement could be forthcoming, with Scotland set to resume Nations League action in a four‑match block that opens in Slovenia on 26 September. During his playing days Pocognoli featured in England, turning out for West Bromwich Albion and Brighton, and earned 13 caps for Belgium. Clarke, who had renewed a four‑year contract in May, resigned after Scotland’s group‑stage exit at the World Cup, concluding his seven‑year spell in charge. Steven Naismith, who served as one of Clarke’s assistants, said past month he expects to remain involved in the national setup under a new boss.