Former Fleetwood Town manager Scott Brown says he is ready for his next challenge following his departure from the Lancashire club in September.
The 38-year-old joined the Cod Army in May 2022 in his first managerial role. His first full season at the club was widely considered a success, finishing a respectable 13th in League One. It was a far cry from the season prior, where they had survived relegation by the skin of their teeth, with just goal difference preventing the drop to the fourth tier.
Despite that, this season started poorly, with Brown’s team picking up just one point from their opening six league fixtures whilst also exiting the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle with a 3-2 defeat against Port Vale. This ultimately led to the Celtic legend’s dismissal, with former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson taking on the reins.
However, form hasn’t really picked up and they remain in the relegation places, although they are unbeaten in their last two after beating fellow strugglers Reading last Tuesday before picking up a point against Barnsley on Saturday.
Brown though, is keen to return to management after a near two-month break. Speaking before the Scottish Cup third round draw yesterday, via Football Scotland, the former Scotland international said;
“It was great to be down and get a great understanding for myself and Steven (Whittaker) to go down to England. We enjoyed it – we had some great times last season, not so many this season but we all bounce back.
“I’m getting itchy feet now. It’s been good to have some family time and see the kids growing up – I’ve been away the past couple of years. But now it’s getting back to the stage where I’m looking to get back into that routine.”
Writer’s View
Few can deny that Brown did a good job at Fleetwood last season and it was perhaps a bit harsh to dismiss him so soon into the new campaign. However, the Cod Army clearly felt that a new direction was needed, but his time at Highbury will have done his prospects no harm whatsoever.
His inexperience may put potential suitors off, but with the number of clubs in League One and League Two currently on the lookout for a new manager, the 38-year-old could throw his name into the hat at the likes Colchester United or Grimsby Town. Alternatively, he might fancy trying his hand at a job north of the border.
