Alan Irvine will remain as part of Scotland's coaching staff under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who has now completed his backroom team with a mix of retained and fresh appointments.
The Everton assistant, who previously worked with Pocognoli during his time as West Brom manager in 2014 when he signed the Belgian as a player, joined the national team setup following Euro 2024 under Steve Clarke. Pocognoli has decided to keep Irvine on board while bringing in new voices to support his vision for the role.
Pocognoli, appointed as Clarke's successor last month, has assembled a coaching team that includes goalkeeping coach Chris Woods from the previous regime alongside two new assistant coaches. The Belgian took charge on a two-year contract and is the first non-Scottish Scotland head coach since Berti Vogts.
Luke Benstead, who spent seven years with Belgium's national team as a coach, and Cameron Campbell, a 35-year-old who has worked in academy development at Aberdeen, Rangers, and RB Leipzig before becoming Tottenham's first-team individual development coach, have been appointed as assistants. Benstead previously served as an analyst for both Everton and Manchester United before taking an assistant manager role at Istanbul Basaksehir.
How was Pocognoli selected for the role?
The Scottish FA employed a data-driven approach to identify their new head coach. The organisation used AI and data analytics from Twenty First Group to help identify Pocognoli as Steve Clarke's successor, confirming his appointment on 16 August 2026. Pocognoli's recent success managing Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian league title in 2024–25 and his previous experience at Monaco made him an attractive candidate to lead Scotland forward.
What did Pocognoli say about his backroom team?
It was important for me to assemble the right backroom staff at the start of this new challenge. I took my time and did my research, and I'm delighted with the group we have.
Pocognoli expressed particular satisfaction with Irvine's decision to remain in the role.
I am really pleased that Alan didn't hesitate in agreeing to stay on. His passion for the role is obvious, as is his quality on the training pitch. He has the respect of everyone who has worked with him.
On Campbell's appointment, Pocognoli highlighted both the coach's credentials and his Scottish heritage.
I was very impressed by Cameron Campbell when I met him, and the recommendations I have received on him from trusted contacts in the English Premier League and in Germany, has been outstanding. It is a bonus that Cameron is Scottish.
Benstead's extensive experience in Belgian football and his versatility impressed the new Scotland boss.
Luke was known to me from his time in Belgium, where he has worked with some big talents in his seven years with the national team. He has such a rounded skillset, having worked as a performance analyst then as an assistant coach at the highest level, with that added responsibility for set-pieces, which he will continue with Scotland. His enthusiasm to join this exciting project really stood out.
Woods, the goalkeeping coach, was also praised for his playing career and expertise.
The same applies to Chris Woods. Not only on the back of a standout playing career, where he played international football, but for his expertise as a goalkeeping coach working with some excellent goalkeepers.
What comes next for Scotland?
With his coaching staff now in place, Pocognoli will announce his first Scotland squad on Tuesday ahead of his inaugural camp. Scotland's Nations League campaign begins away to Slovenia on 26 September, followed by Switzerland in Glasgow on 29 September. The September–October international window will see Scotland play four matches over roughly two weeks, with additional fixtures against North Macedonia completing the extended period.
Pocognoli takes over following Steve Clarke's departure in June after leading Scotland to their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years, though the team exited at the group stage. The new manager faces the challenge of building on that qualification while establishing his own tactical identity and squad philosophy.
Key Facts
- Alan Irvine continues as Scotland assistant coach under Pocognoli, maintaining continuity from the previous regime
- Luke Benstead and Cameron Campbell join as new assistant coaches, bringing experience from Belgium, English Premier League, and German football
- Chris Woods remains as goalkeeping coach from Steve Clarke's setup
- Pocognoli's first Scotland match is away to Slovenia on 26 September, with four Nations League and friendly fixtures scheduled across September and October
- Pocognoli is the first non-Scottish Scotland head coach since Berti Vogts, appointed on a two-year contract
