Ex-Celtic midfielder makes SPFL management return after short English spell

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Former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley has made a quick return to management in Scotland after a short spell in England.

The 46-year-old has been confirmed as the new boss of Scottish Championship side Cove Rangers for the second time, on a three-year deal.

Hartley has had a fairly successful managerial career in the lower leagues of Scottish Football, taking the likes of Alloa, Dundee and Cove to separate promotions.

After leading Cove Rangers from Scottish League Two to the second tier, Hartley made his first move down south as a manager, joining English League Two side Hartlepool United.

The ex-Celtic and Aberdeen man brought a number of Scottish players south of the border, including Hoops academy player Brody Paterson.

However, his time at Hartlepool came to a disappointing end just months into his new role after he was sacked in September.

It hasn’t taken too long for Paul Hartley to make his return to Scottish Football, as it was announced he would be returning to Cove Rangers for his second spell as boss.

He replaced former Ross County and Dundee coach Jim McIntyre, who has left the team sitting in 8th place in the Scottish Championship, four points clear of the relegation playoff spots.

Hartley arrives at the ideal time with the January transfer window being open for only a matter of days. So he will likely be looking to add to his squad.

It will be interesting to see if he looks to use any of his previous Celtic connections to bring in players in order to help Cove survive the drop.

Previously, Hartley took former academy goalkeeper Ryan Mullen on loan. So it maybe wouldn’t be a surprise to see him try and add to his squad with another loanee.

I am sure his spell down south will have left Hartley frustrated that he couldn’t showcase what he can do in the English lower leagues.

However, he has another chance to build up his reputation in the SPFL, in familiar surroundings as he gets set to take charge of his second spell at the Balmoral Stadium.

In other news, Report: Euro club’s interest in Celtic man could come to swift close.