The Tartan Army are marching into the unknown as Scotland begin life without Steve Clarke, the nation's longest serving and most successful manager. For seven years, they were guided by Clarke, who - despite leaving many feeling fatigued by his style of football - led them from the international wilderness to three major tournaments. Sebastien Pocognoli is the man tasked with filling those big shoes.
The Belgian has already pocketed early goodwill by freshening up the squad, but that cordiality will only carry the 39-year-old so far if the promised style and substance is not delivered. For co-hosts Scotland, it's harder not to qualify for Euro 2028 than it is to claim one of the 24 places, so that should provide patience for the new boss and the Scottish FA, which has taken a bit of a gamble going loco for Poco. Scotland will 'learn on the job' under Pocognoli - Robertson You are the new Scotland boss - what would you do?
New-look squad, but how will Pocognoli's Scotland line-up? Clarke's reign was more about functionality than flare. It was a formula that brought positive qualifying results, whether fans found it easy on the eye or not.
Some of those colouring the streets of Ljubljana are still scarred from the summer heartache at the prompt World Cup exit, while others are taking notes of the picturesque surroundings as inspiration for statues of the former manager. Pragmatism hauled Scotland back on to the biggest stage after a 28-year absence. But, once there, Clarke's side made a pitiful attempt to steal any headlines from the supporters who shone in Boston and Miami.
That's something that will be expected of Pocognoli, making a bit of noise at major tournaments, by way of the nice football he teased, too. As he acknowledged, the "foundations" are there. Wise old heads remain in the squad and will be required as the young guns make the jump.
Captain Andy Robertson has been impressed by the new additions' "energy and enthusiasm". It's reignited something inside him too. As long as Pocognoli has the buy-in of the skipper - who he met for dinner and had multiple chats with before kicking off the training camp in La Manga - the rest should follow.
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