Manchester United hero Jaap Stam has revealed he keeps a close eye on Scottish football, and he would even love to manage Celtic or Rangers one day.
Stam, who was part of United's legendary team that won the Treble in 1999, is currently coaching within the Dutch football pyramid. He's managed Reading, and FC Cincinnati, and Feyenoord in the past. At the latter, he actually visited Ibrox as an opposition boss for a Europa League clash in 2019.
The 52-year-old former centre-back previously turned down both Glasgow giants in the late 1990's before Manchester United paid £10.6million for his services.
Speaking to BoyleSports who offer the latest Champions League betting, Stam said: “My assistant at Reading, Andries Ulderink, is now working for Rangers, he’s a good guy.
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“There have been a lot of Dutch managers and players over there, including Dick Advocaat.
“When I was working with Advocaat at PSV he tried to bring me to Rangers, but unfortunately for him Manchester United came in for me the same summer.
“I’ve always followed Scottish football and when I played for Willem II I had the chance to join Celtic. I had an opportunity but I wanted to stay in Holland and keep learning.
“But both Celtic and Rangers are great clubs and everyone recognises their grounds, everyone is always thinking about football over there.
“One day I’d love to manage in Scotland, maybe for Rangers or Celtic or for another club. It would be amazing for me because the fans are so passionate about the game and I love that.”
Stam also suggested that he wants to work under former Red Devils teammate Roy Keane, who ended his playing career at Celtic and has since focused predominantly on punditry roles.
The outspoken Irishman did have spells managing Sunderland and Ipswich Town over a decade ago, plus stints as an assistant at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and the Republic of Ireland national team.
“I would love to see Roy Keane back in management and I’d love to be his assistant manager,” Stam revealed.
“I think he has the potential to be a great manager because he knows so much about the game.
“He can give a lot of individual advice to players and how they can improve, but the decision will be up to him. He is doing well in punditry at the moment.
“It’s a very different life in management, day and night, you have to be ready for the lifestyle and the club in question and the players. I’m sure he enjoys his current role but I’d love to see him in the dugout again, if he needs an assistant then I’ll be there.”
