Scottish FA Considers Sebastien Pocognoli for Head Coach Position Following Steve Clarke’s Resignation
The Scottish FA has named former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as a leading candidate to take over as head coach, following Steve Clarke’s recent resignation. Pocognoli, 39, departed Monaco at the end of the previous season and has an impressive track record, having led Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years during the 2024-25 season.
Pocognoli is one of multiple candidates who have discussed the position with Ian Maxwell, the chief executive of the Scottish FA, and Craig Mulholland, the new chief football officer appointed in May. The FA may finalize an appointment soon, as the Scotland national team prepares for four upcoming fixtures in the Nations League, starting with a match against Slovenia on 26 September.
Throughout his playing career in England, Pocognoli represented West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, while also earning 13 caps with the Belgian national team. If appointed, he would become only the second foreign manager of the Scotland men’s team, following German Berti Vogts.
Clarke had signed a new four-year contract in May but stepped down after Scotland’s exit during the group stages of the World Cup. Steven Naismith, who served as assistant to Clarke, has expressed his intention to remain involved with the national setup under the new head coach.
Former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has been identified by the Scottish FA as their prime candidate to replace Steve Clarke.
The 39-year-old Belgian, who left Monaco at the end of last season, previously led Union Saint-Gilloise to a first league title in 90 years in 2024-25.
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Pocognoli is one of several candidates to have been spoken to by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who was appointed as the association’s chief football officer in May.
And it is thought an appointment could be imminent, with Scotland returning to action in the Nations League with a four-game block of fixtures, starting in Slovenia on 26 September.
Pocognoli spent time in England during his playing career, turning out for West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and earned 13 caps for Belgium.
He would become just the second foreign boss of the Scotland men’s team, after German Berti Vogts.
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Clarke – who had signed a new four-year deal in May – resigned following the group-stage exit at the World Cup, ending his seven-year tenure.
Steven Naismith, who served as one of his assistant, said last month he expects to continue in the national team set-up under a new boss.
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