Stockport assistant Andy Mangan rejects Real Madrid transfer over Brexit rules | Stockport

Stockport assistant manager Andy Mangan has been denied a move to Real Madrid after being refused a work permit. As a player, Mangan was a seasoned striker but has built a growing reputation as a manager.

He had hoped to swap League One for work under Carlo Ancelotti in the Champions League, but his application was rejected due to Brexit rules. Obtaining a work permit to work in Spain can take up to nine months.

Mangan has been preparing to manage Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and the rest of Madrid’s star-studded squad, but the 38-year-old remains in charge at second-placed Stockport, who are chasing a third promotion in four seasons under Dave Challinor.

Mangan obtained his UEFA coaching diploma alongside Ancelotti’s son, Davide, who is part of the Madrid staff, and the two have a close bond.

Mangan previously worked with Joey Barton as a coach at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers. He joined the Stockport coaching staff in March, with a focus on working with attacking players, and enjoyed success as Stockport won League Two last season.

As a player, Mangan spent most of his career in non-league with Forest Green, Wrexham, Fleetwood and Tranmere. He won one England C cap, the representative team for non-league male players.