Liverpool man ‘denied’ extraordinary move to Real Madrid after work permit turned down

Andy Mangan was set for a sensational move to Real Madrid, joining Carlo Ancelotti’s backroom staff, however reports suggest he has been denied a work permit

Andy Mangan during his time as Bristol Rovers caretaker manager. (Image: Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Stockport County coach and former Tranmere Rovers striker Andy Mangan has been denied an incredible switch to Real Madrid to join former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports. The Liverpool-born former professional footballer was in line to make the move and work alongside superstars such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

The 37-year-old was close to joining the European giants as part of the Italian’s backroom staff after initially joining Dave Challinor’s coaching staff in March as they earned promotion to League One. It’s understood that Mangan would have joined Ancelotti and formed part of Real Madrid’s backroom staff, as The Athletic reported last week.

The former striker attained his UEFA Pro License alongside Ancelotti’s son, Davide, under the Welsh Football Association. It was suggested that Mangan would follow the iconic Italian’s son, should he embark on his managerial career.

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However, Jonathan Northcroft of The Times has reported that the move is off after being denied a work permit. The move would have seen Mangan form part of the restructuring of the Bernabeu backroom as Los Blancos look to defend their La Liga and Champions League crowns this season, bolstered by the blockbuster signing of Mbappe – joining the new era of Galacticos in the summer.

Born in Liverpool, Mangan forged a professional career with Accrington Stanley, Bury FC and Shrewsbury Town, before returning to Merseyside with Tranmere Rovers. He had two spells with the Birkenhead club either side of a return to the Shrews, helping Micky Mellon’s side gain promotion back to the Football League in 2018, although he was an unused substitute in the Wembley playoff final.

After hanging up his boots, he was appointed Bristol Rovers caretaker manager when Joey Barton was relieved of his duties at the League One club in October 2023.

Mangan had his sights on the full-time position after winning four out of the seven games he was in charge of at the Memorial Ground, however he lost out on the role to Matt Taylor. Speaking ahead of their trip to Derby County last November, he said: “Obviously, when something like this is thrust upon you, you never know how you will react.

“I have spoken of it previously if I were to get this job I would be a very proud man and my family would be very proud as well. We are building something really special here in my opinion but let’s see what happens.”

Mangan has been in the Hatters dugout alongside Challinor as Stockport have made an impressive start in their League One return, picking up seven points thanks to wins over Cambridge United and Blackpool before earning a point away at Mansfield Town.

The 35-year-old Ancelotti has previously been linked with the Everton managerial job. The Italian emerged as a contender to succeed Frank Lampard in 2023 while Sean Dyche and Marcelo Bielsa emerged as front runners before the Englishman was eventually appointed.