Pocognoli’s background includes coaching Belgium’s youth teams at international level, a credential sure to appeal to the SFA. He has also worked in the academies of USG and Genk.
As a player, he represented his country at nearly every youth stage before earning 13 senior caps during an era stacked with Belgian stars.
Scotland have enjoyed a smaller golden spell of their own, with captain Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and others continuing to perform at Europe’s highest level.
In his SFA exit interview, Clarke was unequivocal, stressing that the core he built across seven years is “not finished yet.”
Many from Scotland’s World Cup squad—one of the oldest at the tournament—will target the Euros they co-host in two years, while Pocognoli is tasked with injecting fresh energy.
There has been significant debate about shortcomings in Scottish youth development, prompting worries about the national team’s long-term outlook.
For now, 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak has become a regular over the past couple of seasons, and 19-year-old Findlay Curtis made two late World Cup cameos.
Tyler Fletcher traveled to the United States but did not feature. Whether his role grows under Pocognoli—or if teenage midfielder Lennon Miller is brought back—remains to be seen.
Kieron Bowie, 23, also missed the World Cup squad, but the striker will be in Serie A next season, as will Miller.
Supporters will be eager to see striker Robbie Ure after his prolific run with Sweden’s Sirius earned a move to La Liga side Sevilla earlier this month.
At 22, he has reignited Tartan Army hopes of finally adding a clinical edge in attack—something long in demand.