Scotland on the verge of surprise managerial appointment as new frontrunner accepts role

Sebastien Pocognoli has accepted an offer to become Scotland’s new manager, talkSPORT understands.

The Tartan Army have been searching for a new boss after Steve Clarke stepped down earlier this summer.

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Ex-Belgium international Pocognoli is a free agent having been sacked by Monaco in June following an underwhelming eight months in charge.

His best managerial achievement to date is guiding Union Saint-Gilloise to a first Belgian Pro League title in 90 years in 2024.

The 39-year-old is now poised to lead Scotland into a new era, becoming the nation’s first new manager since May 2019.

Pocognoli isn’t the only new face within the Scottish set-up, with Reading legend Graeme Murty set to take charge of their Under-21s.

The Scots return to action against Slovenia in the Nations League in just over one month’s time, following a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw them eliminated in the group phase.

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Assistant manager Steven Naismith had been tipped to step in for the upcoming international break but Pocognoli would be free to take the reins immediately if appointed.

Naismith has been an assistant manager within the Scotland set-up since August 2025.

The former Everton star’s only previous coaching experience was a 65-game spell in charge of Scottish side Hearts.

As for Pocognoli, the Scotland role would be just his third senior managerial gig.

Prior to his appointment at Union SG, Pocognoli was Belgium’s Under-18 coach for almost a year.

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He also had spells working with youth teams at Genk and Union SG.

Sebastien Pocognoli’s career at a glance

Pocognoli moved into management after a playing career that spanned nearly two decades.

He began at Genk before moves to AZ Alkmaar, Standard Liege and Hannover 96 followed.

Pocognoli then became a Premier League player when he joined West Bromwich Albion in July 2014.

However, the left-back’s time at the Hawthorns didn’t quite go to plan as he made just 21 appearances for the club.

He eventually returned to Belgium in 2017, linking up with Standard Liege for a second time.

Pocognoli also won 13 caps for Belgium but never represented his nation at a World Cup or at the Euros.