Belgian Pocognoli frontrunner to be Scotland boss

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the Scottish FA’s leading candidate to become Scotland men’s head coach, replacing Steve Clarke. According to the article, the 39-year-old former Monaco boss is the preferred option after discussions involving Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland.

Pocognoli left Monaco at the end of last season after previously guiding Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian league title in 2024-25, ending a long wait for the club’s first championship in 90 years. The BBC says talks have also taken place with other candidates, but Pocognoli is seen as the frontrunner and an appointment could come soon.

The timing matters because Scotland are due back in action shortly, with a Nations League block of four fixtures beginning away to Slovenia on 26 September. If appointed, Pocognoli would become only the second foreign manager to lead the Scotland men’s team, following Germany’s Berti Vogts. He also has links to British football through his playing career with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, and he won 13 caps for Belgium. Clarke resigned after Scotland’s group-stage exit at the World Cup, ending a seven-year spell in charge despite having signed a new contract in May.