September 11th 2024.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher recently expressed his frustration over the effects of Brexit on the football world. His comments were in response to the news that a young English coach, Andy Mangan, was denied a dream move to Real Madrid due to work permit restrictions.
Mangan, who currently serves as an assistant coach at third-tier team Stockport County, had been highly recommended by Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide, who had completed his coaching course with Mangan. The 38-year-old had already signed a contract and started learning Spanish in preparation for the move, but unfortunately, his visa was rejected and his plans were abruptly halted.
Brexit, the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, has brought about many changes, one of which is the requirement for British citizens to acquire work permits in order to live and work in Europe. This process can take up to nine months, causing Mangan to miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.
Carragher, who took to social media to express his frustration, criticized the "shambles" of Brexit for causing this problem. He also sarcastically mentioned Mangan's blue passport, a symbol of the UK's independence from the EU.
With his dream move to Real Madrid now off the table, Mangan will return to his role at Stockport County, where he has been making a positive impact under head coach Dave Challinor. Prior to joining Stockport, Mangan had a successful career as a striker, playing for various clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Forest Green, Wrexham, and Fleetwood.
After retiring from playing, Mangan joined Joey Barton's backroom staff at Fleetwood in 2019 and followed him to Bristol Rovers in 2021. However, when Barton was sacked in 2023, Mangan stayed on as caretaker manager before the appointment of Matt Taylor. In March of this year, he joined Stockport as an assistant coach, with a focus on improving the team's attacking tactics.
It is unfortunate that Mangan's opportunity to coach at one of the biggest clubs in the world was taken away due to the complications of Brexit. However, he will continue to work hard and make a positive impact in his current role at Stockport County.
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