Sebastian Pocognoli is set to be named as Scotland's new manager. The former Belgium international won 13 caps for his country and led Tony Bloom-backed Union Saint-Gilloise to their first top flight title for 90 years. He is now the leading candidate to replace Steve Clarke, according to the Scottish Sun.
Clarke's Departure
Clarke stepped down after seven years at the helm following a disappointing World Cup campaign this summer. The Scots failed to make it out of Group C after a 1-0 opening win over Haiti and defeats to Morocco and Brazil respectively.
Search for Successor
SFA chief Ian Maxwell, along with new chief football officer Craig Mulholland, have been leading the search for Clarke's successor, with the next Nations League campaign kicking off in Slovenia just over a month from now. As well as his experience in Belgium, Pocognoli spent a season at French giants Monaco, which lasted eight months.
He was linked with the vacancy at Hearts after Derek McInnes' departure before that job went to compatriot Wouter Vrancken. It's understood Pocognoli has impressed during interviews after ticking several of the search criteria boxes SFA blazers are looking for.
Immediate Start Possible
Scotland assistant Steven Naismith had been expected to be placed in charge for the start of the Nations League. But with Pocognoli being a free agent, the Belgian could in theory begin immediately with a first squad announcement expected in the next couple of weeks.
