Scotland seek fresh start with Belgian Pocognoli as Clarke successor

The Scottish Football Association is set to appoint 39‑year‑old Belgian Sébastien Pocognoli as manager early next week, succeeding Steve Clarke and becoming the first non‑Scottish boss since Berti Vogts’s 2002‑04 tenure, in a fresh approach ahead of the Nations League clash with Slovenia on 26 September.

Sébastien Pocognoli, the 39‑year‑old Belgian, was dismissed by Monaco in June. The Scottish Football Association intends to install him as manager early next week.

First foreign manager since Berti Vogts

His appointment would end a Scottish‑only tradition dating back to Berti Vogts, who led the side from 2002 to 2004. No other non‑Scottish coach has held the post since Vogts’s tenure.

Steve Clarke’s abrupt departure followed Scotland’s group‑stage exit from the World Cup. Clarke had signed a four‑year contract extension immediately before the tournament.

The SFA’s search has already linked former Denmark striker Jon Dahl Tomasson and Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand with the vacancy. Both names have been mentioned as possible successors.

Scotland’s next competitive test arrives on 26 September, when they face Slovenia in the Nations League. The fixture will be the first under the new manager’s stewardship.