The Scottish Football Association has identified former Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as its leading candidate to succeed Steve Clarke as national team manager. According to Sky Sports, the 39-year-old Belgian is currently a free agent, having left Monaco in June 2026, which could allow for a swift appointment.
Pocognoli guided Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years during the 2024/25 season before moving on to Monaco. His playing career included stints in England with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton, and he earned 13 caps for the Belgian national team.
Who has been involved in the selection process?
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Craig Mulholland, who took up his post in May 2026, have held discussions with several candidates for the vacancy, of whom Pocognoli is considered the frontrunner. According to a national newspaper's report, his appointment would make him Scotland's first non-Scottish manager since Berti Vogts, who held the role from 2002 to 2004.
Why did the vacancy arise?
Steve Clarke stepped down after Scotland's exit at the group stage of the World Cup, bringing an end to his seven-year spell in charge, despite having signed a new four-year contract in May 2026. Assistant coach Steven Naismith said last month that he expects to remain part of the national team setup regardless of who takes over as manager.
What happens next?
According to Herald Scotland, a decision on the new manager could be confirmed as early as 17 August 2026. Scotland's next competitive fixture is away to Slovenia on 26 September 2026 in the opening match of their Nations League league-phase campaign, according to UEFA's published fixture schedule. Should the reported timeline hold, Pocognoli's first home match in charge would come three days later against Switzerland, according to the same newspaper report cited above.
Key Facts
- Sebastien Pocognoli, 39, is the Scottish FA's leading candidate to replace Steve Clarke.
- He led Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years in 2024/25 before joining Monaco.
- He left Monaco as a free agent in June 2026 and has been out of work since.
- An appointment could be confirmed as early as 17 August 2026.
- Scotland's first fixture under a new manager would likely be away to Slovenia on 26 September 2026.
