Former Hull City head coach Grant McCann has revealed to The Coaches’ Voice that he had discussions with Sunderland and Charlton Athletic about the vacant management positions at both clubs before re-joining Peterborough United as their boss.
The 42-year-old was rumoured to be interested in the job at the Stadium of Light but the Black Cats opted against and appointed now Stoke City boss Alex Neil, which he helped the club return to the Championship following four years in the third division.
As well as that, McCann was interested in taking the job at Charlton Athletic with the Northern Irishman admitting the club rang him about potentially taking over, but the Addicks ended up appointing Jonnie Jackson during a period in which McCann was still at Hull.
Before the job interest however, McCann was in charge of the Tigers from the start of the 19/20 season until early January 2022, during which he took charge of 136 matches for the club.
The highlight of McCann’s spell in East Yorkshire was when his side won the League One title in the 20/21 season, sealing an instant return to the Championship where they were relegated the previous season.
Party time. 🎉
Congratulations to @HullCity, who have been promoted to the #SkyBetChampionship! #EFL | #HCAFC pic.twitter.com/qdf9X24B03
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) April 24, 2021
Following a stellar first season back in the second division where the club finished 18th, McCann was relieved of his duties in early January following Acun Ilicali’s takeover of the club, with Shota Arveladze being appointed as his replacement.
Shortly after leaving the KCOM Stadium, McCann was quick to return to work as he joined Peterborough United for the second time as their manager following the dismissal of Darren Ferguson.
McCann was unable to keep Posh up as they finished 22nd in the Championship and was dismissed by the club early in the new year with the club sat eighth in League One, with Darren Ferguson making a swift return to the post after previously being replaced by McCann.
The football club have parted company with manager Grant McCann and assistant manager Cliff Byrne.
The club have appointed Darren Ferguson as manager until the end of the season.
Full details are within this official statement. #pufc
— Peterborough United (@theposh) January 4, 2023
Speaking to The Coaches’ Voice, McCann explained how the Sunderland and Charlton Athletic job opportunities came to light when they became available but expressed that he decided to go back to Peterborough to be closer to family.
“My stock was high at the time (after leaving Hull), and I was keen to get straight back in,” expressed McCann. I spoke to Sunderland about taking over until the end of the season, and got calls from Charlton, too. Two huge clubs.
“But my family had been settled near Peterborough for a long time, and I’d been away from home for four and a half years. My wife’s dad had just died, so it just felt right to have another crack at Peterborough.”
As well as that, McCann also goes on to explain that he’s hungry to succeed as a manager and how he’s talking to some of the best people in the profession to improve him as a person as well as a manager.
McCann added: “I mentioned earlier how I’d matured as a young player, and I think I’ve gone through something similar as a manager. I’m definitely calmer than I used to be. I don’t take things to heart as much as I used to.
I’ve also worked hard to improve, and I think I’ve done that in just about every aspect. Every experience I’ve had is only going to make me better.
“I’m hungry to succeed. I want to be the best I can be, and I’m working hard to do that while I’m out of work. I’m going to Leicester to speak to Brendan Rodgers, I’ve spoken to Michael Beale about doing the same at Rangers, and I’m going up to watch some sessions at Liverpool, too. There’s still so much for me to learn, and these opportunities are only going to help me.
“I’ll be a better manager for whatever my next role is.”
[freshpress-quiz id=”28012″]
Writers View
I’ll be the first person to say I’m a fan of Grant McCann. I think he’s a reliable pair of hands and, even though he’s had a couple of sticky patches recently, especially during his recent spell back at Peterborough, I still regard him as a top coach.
I think he would have been an excellent appointment for both Sunderland and Charlton Athletic, especially with his experience in League One and how successful he can make teams in the third division. We don’t have to go far to see his League One title winning season with Hull City for starters.
Even though he’s currently out of work at the moment, I don’t think it will be long before we see McCann back in a dugout on a matchday.
