Scotland are preparing to enter a new era after appointing Sebastien Pocognoli as their men’s national team head coach.
Pocognoli is due to name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday ahead of the start of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.
His first match will see Scotland travel to face Slovenia on 26th September, before hosting Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
Ahead of those fixtures, the Scottish FA has officially confirmed the coaching team that will support Pocognoli as he begins his new role.
Former Manchester United performance analyst Luke Benstead has been appointed as an assistant coach and will leave Istanbul Basaksehir to join Scotland on a full-time basis.
Luke Benstead initially developed his coaching career with Tranmere Rovers and Everton before his work earned him an opportunity at Old Trafford.
The Scottish FA explained: “Benstead cut his coaching teeth at Tranmere Rovers, before making the step up to Everton. His work at Goodison Park caught the eye, and he was rewarded with a move to Manchester United, working as a Performance Analyst under Mourinho.”
Benstead went on to spend seven years with the Belgium national team, working under Roberto Martinez and Domenico Tedesco.
His responsibilities also extended across Belgium’s youth teams, with the coach contributing towards methodology development and ensuring greater alignment throughout the country’s international setup.
Pocognoli was already aware of Benstead’s qualities from his work in Belgium and believes his varied experience will strengthen Scotland’s coaching team.
He said: “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.”
Benstead will work alongside Alan Irvine and Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach Cameron Campbell as Pocognoli’s three assistant coaches.
Chris Woods will remain responsible for Scotland’s goalkeepers, while Under-21 coaches Tony Docherty and Steven Naismith will support the senior staff to improve alignment between the two age groups.
Benstead’s appointment now provides another connection between Scotland and Manchester United, with Woods also having previously worked at Old Trafford as part of David Moyes’ coaching staff.