Scott Brown’s surprise retirement from the playing side of the game this week was immediately met with speculation surrounding a return to Celtic Park.
Brown is one of the most decorated captains in Celtic’s history and his leading the team to four consecutive trebles (one invincible) is something that will never be surpassed in Scottish football. Despite the begrudgers, who claim such achievements were against no competition, Brown won those trophies when the Rangers were in the top flight and shouting about going for 55. Indeed, in 2019/20 they qualified from a Europa League group against Porto, Feyenoord and Young Boys, before eliminating Braga in the knockout stages – so not quite the useless outfit they subsequently claim to have been.
Broony is a winner and his winning mentality could be useful to any club. He had a long successful career and played in memorable European matches such as the 3-3 draws v Man City and Inter Milan, the 2-1 wins over Lazio (x2) and then European champions AC Milan, a 1-0 win versus Benfica, and a Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona etc. In one season under Brendan Rodgers, he boasted a 94% pass success rate throughout the group stages, which included Bayern Munich and PSG among Celtic’s opponents.
While still a player at Parkhead, Scott Brown began coaching the youth team for a spell. It was clear that he had an eye on coaching and management with his career approaching its twilight. He has the credentials for a job of that nature, but I wouldn’t rush to bring him back to Celtic Park yet.
My main reasoning for this is simple – if it’s not broke then why fix it? Celtic are in a good place. Ange Postecoglou has masterminded a rebuild and negotiated incredible injury problems to take the team to the top of the league and League Cup glory. It appears we are coping fine with the current set up so I would not risk altering something that is working well. Furthermore, I worry that Broony’s return could potentially overshadow Callum McGregor’s leadership. The midfielder has really stepped up to the captaincy since Brown departed and it would be a huge loss if he were to tame that presence on the park because a greater leader has returned (not that this would necessarily be the case).
For me, Brown should cut his teeth with Celtic B team or start fresh as a first team coach next season – assuming the club, Postecoglou and Brown himself wish to pursue that option. However, it seems more likely that Broony will begin life as a football coach at Leicester City with his former boss.
There’s no need to put sentiment ahead of practicality. Nothing should be rushed in this regard. Scott Brown’s time will come at Celtic yet.
