STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.
Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti‘s son Davide.
Carlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.
According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.
That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.
That is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.
The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.
It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.
Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.
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He has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real‘s attention.
Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.
Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.