English Football League

Fleetwood confirm ex-Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen player as surprise head coach

Fleetwood confirm ex-Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen player Scott Brown as their surprise new head coach for his first managerial role.

First reported by the Daily Mail [via Daily Record], the former Scotland international has agreed terms to take over The Cod Army who finished the season in 20th place in England’s third tier and avoided relegation to League Two on goal difference.

Scott Brown recently announced his retirement from football, but since made it clear that he intended to step into a coaching role and it seems that Fleetwood are keen to turn their fortunes around.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵, 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 🤝#ftfc can confirm the appointment Scott Brown as the club’s first team Head Coach.#OnwardTogether

— Fleetwood Town FC (@ftfc) May 12, 2022

CLUB STATEMENT:

Fleetwood Town can confirm the appointment Scott Brown as the club’s first-team Head Coach.

The born-winner, 36, makes his first step into management following an incredible playing career. He led Glasgow Celtic to 23 major trophies during a career spanning 20 years, including 55 caps for his native Scotland.

On the news, Brown said: “I’m delighted to have been named Head Coach at Fleetwood Town, it’s a great opportunity at a really exciting club.

“I’ve always had a real desire to move into management and can’t wait to meet the players and staff and get started. The hard work starts now – I’m now looking forward to getting onto the grass.”

Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley said: “We’d like to thank Stephen for guiding the club to safety and the commitment he’s shown to the cause since taking charge of the first team. The development of players is hugely important to the club, and that’s something we want Stephen to continue with his role in the Under-23s.”

Chairman Andy Pilley added: “I’m absolutely delighted to name Scott Brown as the club’s new first-team Head Coach. It was important as a club we took our time with this appointment and was delighted by the high calibre of candidates who applied.

“After a thorough interview process it was clear Scott was the outstanding candidate and someone who’s a born leader, a serial winner, and incredibly serious about becoming a successful manager. We feel we are the perfect club for Scott to start his managerial career and he’s the perfect person to lead us to a new era at Highbury Stadium – it’s a hugely exciting appointment for Fleetwood Town.”

He is to take over from another former footballer in Stephen Crainey who will return to his role with the club’s Under-23s following a spell as First Team Head Coach.

Crainey took charge of the side in December following the departure of Simon Grayson picking-up 26 points during his 29 game stint at the helm.

After securing League One status a few weekends ago, Town can confirm the 40-year-old will return to the Under-23s set-up to continue the work he’s done developing players at the club.

SCOTT BROWN’S CAREER

Youth career
1999–2002 – Hibernian

Senior career
2002–2007 – Hibernian – 110 games (13 goals)
2007–2021 – Celtic – 407 games (29 goals)
2021–2022 – Aberdeen – 24 games (2 goals)
Total – 541 games (44 goals)

National team
2003–2004 – Scotland U19 – 3 games (3 goals)
2004–2006 – Scotland U21 – 10 games (0 goals)
2005–2017 – Scotland – 55 games (4 goals)

Teams managed
2021–2022 – Aberdeen (player/assistant manager)

Twitter users reacted as Fleetwood confirm the ex-Celtic, Hibernian, Aberdeen player as their new surprise head coach…

@DavidBarker__: I’ll give him a chance and he has the potential to be good but surely there was better candidates out there

@Arron1Smith: HE’S THE LEADER OF THE FLEETWOOD

@SHD1903: Jesus wept

@leemcevoy1972: Welcome and good luck Scott. Let’s be honest, he can’t be worse than the last few we’ve had.

@chrisramshaw8: Hope he proves me wrong

@ReissFerguson: PROMOTION 🔜

@jordan_the_cod: Alright big fella @ScottBrown8 new to the area allow me to show you about. Lovely little pub called kings has mcewans on tap and Gordon the landlord is a Celtic fan. Pint on me and maybe a game of pool

@p____67: If he puts in half what he did as a player yous will do just fine. An absolute legend 💚

@Owene2220: Worked well with Barton best of luck to Broony

@kensmith05032: Fleetwood v Bristol Rovers should be exciting off the pitch!!

@ewan__01: Just like seeing him in an aberdeen shirt, this is weird to see

@weeden_sam: Love a bit of media exposure do Fleetwood. Tidy little club and a good platform for a first time manager to apply his trade. Hope he does well.

@_jwynny: Where did he get hair from

@ByresCalum: Scott Brown’s red and white army 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️

@martino67_: This just doesn’t feel/look right man 😂😂 buzzing to see how he gets on though

@joeleggett_: Does a terrible job, and never manages again. Written all over it.

@DeclanJMurphy_: go on broony hope you smash it and build up that cv and return home to paradise all the best Captain, Leader, Legend 😎🍀

@AndyMcI85: Wish him all the success he deserves bn a superb ambassador for us over the years here’s hoping his managerial career is half as gd n he’ll be a success 💚

@SpinelessSaints: Joey Barton’s Brizzle Rovers vs Scott Brown’s Fleetwood Mac. Gonna be a fun watch

@condybhoy: Good luck @ScottBrown8 in your first role to taking over big Ange in about 10 year time 😉. All the best 🍀🍀

@ReeceDSport: Fleetwoods management recruitment seems to follow a pattern of aggressive British defensive midfielders. I’m looking forward to Lee Cattermoles appointment

@RickSlayerBloke: Scott Brown, Derek Adams, and Joey Barton all in league 1 next season, the scenes 😍😍😍

@paulconmcguire: This won’t end well!

@TheLeatherBelts: All the best Scott. A genuine legend and great guy. Fleetwood now have a worldwide support looking out for them 🍀

@83_sparkybhoy: Show them your medals and you’ll be fine,good luck Broony 🍀🍀

@wnw24: Good luck Broony. Hopefully Celtic will send some young bhoys down to get some game time.

@brandonca03: Possibly the most Fleetwood appointment I’ve ever seen

@bradley_lianne: @ScottBrown8 good luck legend 🍀💚🍀