Celtic legend Scott Brown called time on his playing career over the summer, having endured fruitful 20-year career in the Scottish game, making over 540 appearances in the Scottish Premiership and becoming one of the greats. But ‘Broony’ is already back in the footballing industry; this time in the dugout at Fleetwood Town in England’s third division. And the hero has told reporters that he can’t wait to get going in a ‘fantastic league’.
Brown has his first ‘taste’ of managerial experience came last season at Aberdeen, where he was player/assistant to Stephen Glass following 14 years at Paradise under a plethora of bosses.
He was demoted following Glass’ departure and the subsequent arrival of Jim Goodwin meant that he left the Dons in search of coaching opportunities.
Indeed, just two days after the season ended when Broony hung up his boots, he had already found employment – this time at Fleetwood, where he was appointed manager under the guidance of chairman Andy Pilley.
And with his season set to get underway in an away trip to Port Vale, Brown has counted his blessings for walking straight into a job – whilst also relishing what lies ahead.
It’s been good. It’s different because, obviously, I retired and then got this job two days later,” Brown told via The Glasgow Times.
It’s a big change for me but everyone has helped me out. The chairman has given me a lot of time, help and understanding to come into a huge football club like this. League One is a fantastic league. I can’t wait for the competitive stuff to start, you miss that.
But already before the games, I’ve enjoyed the preparation and been looking forward to seeing what we’ve worked on all week.”
Brown has overseen the club’s six pre-season ties, which have included just one loss to Championship outfit Rotherham United.
They drew with Stoke City in what could be classed as a scalp, and beat Dundee United 2-1 on Saturday – cancelling out a goal from Brown’s former Celtic team-mate Charlie Mulgrew.
And the former Celtic hard-man has praised his players for quickly adapting to the game he wants them to play after just a two month transition period.
I felt the understanding in the team was brilliant,’ he said.
That’s the way we want to press, the way we want to play. There’s always going to be mistakes, there’s always going to be people giving the ball away.
But it’s about reactions and how they get the ball back. The attitude was incredible. I believe this club should be doing a lot better than what we did last season. That’s my job now, to make sure that happens.”
