Tam McManus has warned Scott Brown about Aberdeen role; how Celtic captain responded

By David Walton

March 24, 2021

Tam McManus has revealed that he’s spoken to Scott Brown about his potential Aberdeen role, but that the Celtic captain still believes he can do it.

Brown is reportedlt set to leave Parkhead after 14 trophy-laden years in Glasgow. He’s set to team up with new Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass and become the Dons’ new player/assistant coach [Daily Record].

It’s a massive surprise given Brown’s previous comments on a player/coach role. He stated only last month that it wasn’t something he would be considering as he felt he had too much to offer as a player [Sky Sports].

However, he’s since chatted to McManus apparently, with the pair previously coming through the ranks at Hibs and keeping in close contact. And speaking to PLZ Soccer today, the pundit has claimed he’s warned Brown about the role, but that the Celtic legend feels he’s up to it:

“I’ve spoken to him”

“I think Scott Brown would be an excellent signing for Aberdeen. I can just picture him in the middle of the park with McCrorie and Ferguson; I think that would be a terrific midfield three.

“Not only on the pitch but off the pitch his winning mentality, the way he performs, the way he acts around the place. I think he would be a great ambassador for Aberdeen, it’s just a great fit for me, but whether Scott can do number two and playing, I don’t think he can. I’ve already spoke to him about this.

“He seems to believe that he can be the number two and play but I think that would be very difficult, so I’m wondering if Stephen would keep Paul Sheerin there. I don’t know if they know each other, but he could be the number two and maybe have Broony as a first-team coach, dipping in and out, doing session here and there.

“For him to be a number two and play every week I think is very, very difficult. I think it leaves Stephen Glass a bit exposed on the touchline as well.”

Brown won’t be going to Pittodrie just to coach on occasion

McManus’ idea that Broony could go to Aberdeen and take the odd session here and there doesn’t really add up. You have to take into consideration why Brown is leaving to begin with.

It’s clear that he sees the opportunity as the ideal way to get into coaching. Otherwise he would’ve been as well just staying at Parkhead and trying to impress the new manager.

It makes very little sense if Brown’s assistant manager role wasn’t hands-on. He doesn’t have any sort of affinity or connection with Aberdeen. Celtic could easily give him a role in with the development squad if his jump into management is going to be a gradual one.

Celtic midfielder Scott brown with Peter Lawwell / (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Brown will feel he can carry out the task of playing and coaching simultaneously. He’s got the right mentality and remains one of the fittest-looking players at Parkhead. The thought of hard work won’t scare him off.

It’s an exciting new venture for him, and one he clearly feels he needs to take. And if he’s been telling McManus that he’s up for the task, then that ends all talk of him staying surely.

It is interesting to hear such a different tune to what he said last month however. Hopefully, he one day reveals what it was that changed his mind.

In other news, Man City have followed Celtic’s lead as they announced a new project today.