Andy Mangan, the assistant coach at Stockport County, had his plans to join Real Madrid’s coaching staff dashed after being denied a work permit. The 38-year-old was set to make the move to the Spanish capital to work alongside Carlo Ancelotti, but bureaucratic hurdles have halted this opportunity.
Denial of Work Permit
Despite an agreement being in place for Mangan to take up a coaching position at Real Madrid, the lack of a work permit has put a halt to these plans. Ancelotti had been keen on bringing in an English coach with experience in the English Football League (EFL), and Mangan seemed like the perfect fit. However, without the necessary paperwork, Mangan’s dreams of working at one of the biggest clubs in the world have been put on hold.
Coaching Experience and Background
Andy Mangan has had an extensive career in both playing and coaching. As a player, he made over 300 appearances across England’s lower tiers, representing clubs like Fleetwood Town, Wrexham, and Tranmere Rovers. His transition into coaching has seen him work with various English clubs, including Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers.
Mangan’s coaching journey began in 2019 when he joined Fleetwood’s first-team coaching staff. He then followed Joey Barton to Bristol Rovers in 2021, where he took on the role of first-team coach. Mangan even had a brief stint as caretaker manager at Bristol Rovers in late 2023 before joining Stockport County as an assistant coach. At Stockport, his focus has been on developing the team’s attacking prowess.
Connection to Real Madrid and Ancelotti
Mangan’s connection to Real Madrid and Ancelotti stems from his coaching course, which he undertook alongside Ancelotti’s son, Davide. Davide currently serves as an assistant manager at Real Madrid, and the two share a close relationship. This bond, coupled with Mangan’s experience and expertise in English football, made him an appealing candidate for Ancelotti’s backroom staff.
Ancelotti has been keen on bringing in fresh faces to his coaching team, as evidenced by the recent hiring of young nutritionist Alberto Valino. The decision to bring in Valino was made by the club’s medical department, indicating Real Madrid’s commitment to modernizing and improving their approach to player health and performance.
Implications for Real Madrid and Stockport County
The denial of Andy Mangan’s work permit has implications for both Real Madrid and Stockport County. Real Madrid will have to reconsider their options for adding English coaching experience to Ancelotti’s staff, while Stockport County will retain Mangan’s services as assistant coach.
For Mangan, this turn of events represents a missed opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. However, his continued role at Stockport County allows him to focus on further developing his coaching skills and contributing to the growth of the team.
In conclusion, Andy Mangan’s denied work permit for a move to Real Madrid serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in the world of professional football. While the setback may be disappointing, Mangan’s coaching journey continues, and who knows what future opportunities may arise.