Everton assistant Alan Irvine will continue his role as part of a refreshed Scotland coaching staff under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Irvine, who previously managed Pocognoli during their time at West Brom, will be joined by two new assistant coaches and a returning goalkeeping coach as the national team prepares for its upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.
Alan Irvine Continues Scotland Coaching Role
Alan Irvine’s continuation in the Scotland coaching setup under Sebastien Pocognoli has been officially confirmed. Pocognoli, who was appointed last month, expressed his satisfaction with Irvine’s decision to stay. “I am really pleased that Alan didn’t hesitate in agreeing to stay on,” Pocognoli stated, as reported by Yahoo Sports UK. He highlighted Irvine’s “passion for the role” and “quality on the training pitch,” noting the respect he commands from colleagues. Irvine’s extensive coaching career, spanning over 30 years, and his ongoing work with Everton in the English Premier League, were emphasised as bringing invaluable experience to the national team.
New Appointments to National Team Staff
The Scotland coaching staff will see the addition of two new assistant coaches alongside Irvine. According to BBC Sport, Luke Benstead, a former Belgium coach and ex-Everton and Manchester United analyst, joins from Istanbul Basaksehir where he served as an assistant manager. Pocognoli praised Benstead’s “rounded skillset,” noting his experience as a performance analyst and assistant coach with specific responsibility for set-pieces, a role he will continue with Scotland.
Cameron Campbell, 35, also joins as an assistant. Campbell’s career includes work in the academies of Aberdeen and Rangers, a role as Head of Player Development at RB Leipzig, and most recently, Tottenham Hotspur’s first-team individual development coach. Pocognoli was “very impressed” by Campbell and cited “outstanding” recommendations received from trusted contacts in the English Premier League and Germany. Goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, who has a distinguished playing career and extensive coaching experience with clubs like Everton and Manchester United, will also retain his position.
Pocognoli’s Plans and Upcoming Fixtures
Sebastien Pocognoli conveyed the importance of his decisions in assembling his team. “It was important for me to assemble the right backroom staff at the start of this new challenge,” he explained, adding, “I took my time and did my research, and I’m delighted with the group we have.”
The new head coach is scheduled to name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday. This announcement precedes an extended international period that will include UEFA Nations League fixtures against Slovenia (twice), Switzerland, and North Macedonia. Scotland’s first Nations League match is set for September 26, away to Slovenia.