Just in: Real Madrid will not hire English coach after work permit is denied | OneFootball

This past week, reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid were all set to add a new face to their coaching staff in the form of Andy Mangan.

Indeed, it was suggested that the 38-year-old was set to leave Stockport County, where he is currently the assistant manager, to join Carlo Ancelotti’s staff at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mangan to Madrid off

Now, though, journalist Jonathan Northcroft of The Times reports that Andy Mangan’s move to Real Madrid is off as he has been denied a work permit.

Mangan, 38, who played for various English lower-division clubs during his on-field career, has held jobs at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers as assistant manager before joining Stockport County.

An immediate move to Real Madrid was touted earlier this month, with reports suggesting that Ancelotti’s son and assistant, Davide, is close to the 38-year-old and was looking to add someone with grassroots experience in English football to the staff.

Mangan, known to be an attacking specialist, took his coaching course alongside Davide and was poised to join him at Real Madrid.

Indeed, an agreement was reached for him to move to the Santiago Bernabeu and take up a position in Ancelotti’s coaching staff, but a work permit has not been granted.

Whether Real Madrid will now look for a different coach to reinforce their backroom staff or are content with what they have will be interesting to see.