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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

What next for Scott Brown? 5 options for Celtic icon who seeks fresh adventure as Aberdeen stint ends

Scottish football in the 21st century has produced enough drama that putting it all to print would leave even the most prolific scribe with a numb hand.

And you can't begin to explain the history and lore of our beautiful game over the past 20 years without Scott Brown starring as the main protagonist.

To Celtic supporters he's the hero who led from the front en route to 23 major honours and a historic quadruple Treble. To others he's the pantomime villain that has caused plenty of strife.

Now the ever-charismatic Broonie is calling time on a trophy-laden playing career after less than a season with Aberdeen.

Record Sport broke the story the 36-year-old will depart the Granite City weeks after close friend Stephen Glass exited following a dreary run of results.

The Jim Goodwin era won't include Scottish football's most recognisable figure as part of his Dons future.

Record Sport looks at what could come next for a player who has genuine ambitions to forge a coaching career that rivals his on-field success.

An emotional Celtic return

Yes, Brown made his name as a rampaging midfielder as the star turn under Tony Mowbray's entertaining side but he secured his legacy in Glasgow's east end. Brown and Celtic will forever be intertwined and he remains adored by his former public who would love nothing more than to salute him again.

Brown was the man at Celtic (SNS Group)

And heading back to Celtic has more merit than merely being an educated guess. The Premiership leaders have a track record of offering a clear pathway to former players.

Darren O'Dea is turning heads among the academy set-up while former stalwarts John Kennedy and Stephen McManus are key members of Ange Postecoglou's coaching team. Shaun Maloney also spent time at Lennoxtown before joining Roberto Martinez at Belgium.

Omonia challenge

Getting the band back together in Cyprus? It could well be live option that offers something more tangible than a stint in the sun. Brown was signed to replace Lennon back in 2007 before he became the Irishman's captain during his first spell as manager. The pair reunited with great success as they landed five more honours together after Lennon answered the SOS in the wake of Brendan Rodgers' shock departure in 2019.

Scott Brown and manager Neil Lennon celebrate (SNS Group)

The pair enjoy a strong bond and while Lennon has never been short on options to fill out his background team, he may well want to pay it forward by taking the former Scotland skipper under his wing, as he aims to make a success of his bold and ambitious choice to work abroad for the first time in his career.

A fresh Scottish challenge

Brown applied and interviewed for the St Mirren job so there's certainly an appetite to test himself as a manager. But he has made it clear he's more than willing to serve his apprenticeship by taking the No.2 role with the Dons. Perhaps a spell in the lower leagues would give him pause for thought, you only have to look at how best mate Kevin Thomson's stock continues to rise amid his eye-catching work with League Two leaders Kelty Hearts.

The lower leagues are the ultimate litmus test for managers aiming to reach the top and, perhaps, the best next option will prove to be below the top flight. The right club with the right ambition could prove too good to turn down.

A long-awaited English debut

Newcastle seriously wanted to take Brown to the Premier League only months after he joined Celtic but he stayed faithful to the club who splashed £4.4m to secure his services. But the chance to test his coaching mettle down south could certainly be one to ponder.

Brown holds Rodgers in high esteem (SNS Group)

And what about a reunion with the aforementioned Rodgers at Leicester? Brown waxed lyrical about his former manager's innate ability to breath new life into his career after his day to forget against Mark Warburton's Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi final in 2016.

Star pundit role

Brown has a passion for coaching and management, he's made that very clear. But there's no doubt broadcasters are likely to ask the question to a man who is known for his wicked sense of humour.

James McFadden, Marvin Bartley and others provide excellent insight on Sky Sports' coverage but would the SPFL's sole TV broadcaster be tempted to go for a man who would be the perfect sparring partner to take on Kris Boyd?

Kris Boyd could land a sparring partner (SNS Group)

The former Rangers striker and his beaming smile have become a fixture at live matches but there's at least one fanbase who would be relish Brown clamping back in the green corner.

And the chance to take stock while also taking in live games could well be a wise strategy.

Time will tell.

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