Sebastien Pocognoli: Leading Candidate to Replace Steve Clarke

Sebastien Pocognoli has emerged as the Scottish FA’s preferred choice to succeed Steve Clarke, with talks advancing and a decision expected soon.

The 39-year-old Belgian, who left Monaco at the end of last season, has impressed the governing body’s hierarchy, led by chief executive Ian Maxwell and newly appointed chief football officer Craig Mulholland. Both have held discussions with a number of candidates, but Pocognoli is understood to be at the front of the queue.

Time is tight. Scotland are back in competitive action in the Nations League with a demanding four-game block, beginning away to Slovenia on 26 September. The FA want a new head coach in place well before that window opens.

Pocognoli’s coaching reputation soared in 2024-25 when he guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a historic league title, ending a 90-year wait for the Brussels club. That achievement marked him out as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches and paved the way for his move to Monaco.

His profile also carries a strong British connection. During his playing days, Pocognoli had spells in England with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion, experience that gives him a familiarity with the British game and culture. He also won 13 caps for Belgium, adding international pedigree to his résumé.

If appointed, Pocognoli would become only the second foreign coach to lead the Scotland men’s national team, following German boss Berti Vogts’ spell in charge in the early 2000s. It would be a significant shift after the stability and homegrown identity of the Clarke era.

Clarke, who signed a new four-year contract as recently as May, resigned after Scotland’s group-stage exit at the World Cup, bringing a seven-year tenure to a close. His departure has left a sizeable void, but also a rare opportunity.

The Scottish FA now stand on the brink of a bold move: hand the reins to a 39-year-old Belgian with a track record of ending long waits for glory, and ask him to reshape the next chapter of the national team.