Former Belgium assistant also part of new four-man assistant coaching team
Sebastien Pocognoli has declared himself delighted with the appointment of a four-man backroom staff that includes two new faces ahead of naming his maiden Scotland squad next Tuesday.
The Belgian will take charge of the Scottish national team for the first time in the upcoming Nations League quadruple header, which starts with a trip to Slovenia on September 26 before he makes his Hampden bow against Switzerland three days later. A trip to North Macedonia follows on October 3 before Slovenia visit Glasgow on October 6 in an extended international window.
The 39-year-old will be joined in the Scotland dugout by Alan Irvine, who will continue as assistant coach after serving under Steve Clarke for the final year of his tenure. The 66-year-old, who signed Pocognoli as a player while manager of West Brom, will combine his duties with his club role at Everton as David Moyes' number two.
Scotland coach Alan Irvine during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the Boston Stadium. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)placeholder image
Scotland coach Alan Irvine during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the Boston Stadium. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group
Luke Benstead has also joined as an assistant coach with set piece responsibility. The Englishman spent seven years as assistant coach of the Belgian national side and previously worked under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. The 36-year-old will leave his current role as assistant and set-piece coach of Istanbul Başakşehir in the Turkish Süper Lig and join the Scottish FA in a full-time capacity.
Cameron Campbell, hailed by Pocognoli as one of “Europe’s outstanding young coaches”, has also joined the Scotland set-up. A former Rangers youth coach, he is currently with Tottenham after a spell as Transition Coach and Head of Talent at RB Leipzig.
Former Rangers and England goalkeeper Chris Woods, 66, who was part of the previous regime and travelled to the World Cup this summer, has also been retained as goalkeeping coach.
Addressing the appointments, Pocognoli said: “It was important for me to assemble the right backroom staff at the start of this new challenge. I took my time and did my research, and I’m delighted with the group we have.
“Alan Irvine signed me for West Bromwich Albion as a player back in 2014. Back then, I couldn’t have predicted that our paths would lead to the Scotland National Team.
“I am really pleased that Alan didn’t hesitate in agreeing to stay on. His passion for the role is obvious, as is his quality on the training pitch. He has the respect of everyone who has worked with him.
Chris Woods will continue as Scotland goalkeeping coach under Sebastien Pocognoli. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)placeholder image
Chris Woods will continue as Scotland goalkeeping coach under Sebastien Pocognoli. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group
“His coaching career has lasted more than 30 years and he will bring invaluable experience to our group, particularly having recently experienced the FIFA World Cup and, of course, his ongoing work with Everton in the English Premier League.
“I was very impressed by Cameron Campbell when I met him, and the recommendations I have received on him from trusted contacts in the English Premier League and in Germany, has been outstanding.
“It is a bonus that Cameron is Scottish, so he has that level of familiarity with the game here, but he has been appointed for his ability as one of Europe’s outstanding young coaches – not his nationality.
“You only have to look at the level he has worked at – and the players and coaches he has worked with – to see that he will bring a lot to the squad.
“Luke was known to me from his time in Belgium, where he has worked with some big talents in his seven years with the national team. He has such a rounded skillset, having worked as a performance analyst then as an assistant coach at the highest level, with that added responsibility for set-pieces, which he will continue with Scotland. His enthusiasm to join this exciting project really stood out.
“The same applies to Chris Woods. Not only on the back of a standout playing career, where he played international football, but for his expertise as a goalkeeping coach working with some excellent goalkeepers. Like Alan, he is clearly proud to represent Scotland and knows our group well.
“I have allocated all of the staff very clear responsibilities. I know they are all looking forward to the forthcoming camp and I am excited to get to work with them.”
Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed his backroom team.placeholder image
Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has confirmed his backroom team. | SNS Group
The Scottish FA’s Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, added: “Although we have only worked together for a short time, it came as no surprise to me, and the association, that Sébastien was as meticulous in assembling his backroom staff as he is every other aspect of his job.
“He had a clear vision for the profiles he wanted, but took his time in making the right selections. I am grateful for the support of the Scottish FA board in supporting the recruitment of the staff who Sébastien wanted to complete his team.
“I think what you can see now is an exciting group of staff that blends potential with experience, with no shortage of innovation and hunger.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew Hughes for his work with the national team and wish him well in his new position.
“Now, like everyone, I’m looking forward to Sébastien’s first squad selection and the start of a new UEFA Nations League campaign and an exciting time for our national team.”