Celtic Icon Scott Brown Dismisses Assistant Manager Rumors
In recent weeks, rumors have circulated regarding Celtic icon Scott Brown potentially returning to the club as assistant manager under former Hoops striker Robbie Keane, currently the manager of Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
However, the 40-year-old, who most recently managed Ayr United in the second tier, has refuted these claims during an appearance on the Not Another Football Podcast.
When questioned by Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly, Brown stated, “Why has everyone been throwing that [talk of a return to Celtic] in there? About two months ago, I texted Robbie [Keane] to say what’s the chances of me popping over [to Hungary] to come in and see you. You have to do an abroad experience to go and see the culture of a different club.”
He added, “Obviously everyone then has tried to put two and two together. Stephen Glass is over there too. I played with Glassy at Hibs.” Brown continued, “Me and Johnny Hayes both went over because we were the last two to finish this part of our Pro License. He is enjoying it, it’s a different culture.”
Brown described Ferencvaros’s training environment, saying, “In their training area, they have got 21 different sports, so they are all finished by 1pm and it’s like out, the next one in. They have people standing about watching them train, do their tactics on a Friday.”
He also praised Budapest, stating, “I think he [Keane] enjoys it. It’s a lovely city as well; the heat is ridiculous. Fair play, it was a good experience and good to see how Robbie and Glassy are doing it.”
This statement seems to clarify the situation. It appears that the speculation about Brown taking up a coaching role at Celtic is rooted in his visit to Hungary and his discussions with Keane, rather than any formal appointment. While it’s not to say a return to Celtic will never happen, the current focus does not include a coaching role for Brown due to his trip abroad.