New Scotland head coach Edin Pocognoli has completed the assembly of his backroom staff as he prepares to name his first squad for the national team on Tuesday, ahead of his opening camp in charge.
The former Monaco and Union Saint-Gilloise manager has retained Alan Irvine from the previous coaching setup while bringing in fresh faces to bolster his technical team. Pocognoli's first assignments will see Scotland face a demanding run of fixtures during an extended international break, including two Nations League clashes against Slovenia, sandwiched around matches with Switzerland and North Macedonia.
Speaking about the process of building his staff, Pocognoli emphasised the importance of getting the appointments right from the outset of his tenure. "It was important for me to assemble the right backroom staff at the start of this new challenge," he said. "I took my time and did my research, and I'm delighted with the group we have."
Irvine's continuation in the role was a significant boost for the incoming head coach, who praised the coach's dedication and standing within the squad. "I am really pleased that Alan didn't hesitate in agreeing to stay on," Pocognoli said. "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."
Among the new additions is Cameron Campbell, who arrives with strong endorsements from contacts in both the English Premier League and German football. Pocognoli was particularly taken with Campbell during their initial meeting, and noted the added benefit of his Scottish nationality. "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," he said. "It is a bonus that Cameron is Scottish."
Another key appointment is Luke, a coach Pocognoli became familiar with during his time working in Belgium. Luke has spent seven years with the Belgian national team, working with a number of highly rated players throughout his tenure there. Pocognoli highlighted the breadth of his experience, having progressed from a performance analyst role to becoming an assistant coach at the top level, with particular responsibility for set-piece coaching – a duty he will carry over into his new role with Scotland. "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," Pocognoli explained. "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."
Completing the new-look staff is Chris Woods, whose appointment as goalkeeping coach was welcomed given both his playing pedigree, which included international caps, and his subsequent coaching career working with top-level goalkeepers. "The same applies to Chris Woods," Pocognoli said. "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."
With his support staff now confirmed, attention turns to Pocognoli's squad selection, which will offer the first real indication of his plans as he begins life in charge of the national team during a busy period of fixtures.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.