The Stockport assistant coach Andy Mangan has been denied a move to Real Madrid after being refused a work permit.
A journeyman striker as a player, Mangan has developed a burgeoning reputation as a coach. He had hoped to swap League One for working with Carlo Ancelotti in the Champions League but because of Brexit regulations his application was rejected. Acquiring a work permit to work in Spain can take up to nine months.
Mangan had been preparing to coach Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and the rest of Madrid’s star-studded side but the 38-year-old will continue to coach at Stockport, who are second and hunting a third promotion in four seasons under Dave Challinor.
Mangan did his Uefa coaching badges alongside Ancelotti’s son, Davide, who is part of the staff at Madrid, and the pair have a close relationship. Mangan previously worked alongside Joey Barton as a coach at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers. He joined Stockport’s coaching staff in March with his primary focus on working with attacking players and enjoyed success as Stockport won League Two last season.
As a player, Mangan spent most of his career in non-league with Forest Green, Wrexham, Fleetwood and Tranmere. He won one cap with England C, the representative team for non‑league male players.
