Stockport County coach Andy Mangan denied dream move to Real Madrid by Brexit rules

Mangan had begun Spanish lessons and was beginning his search for a home and schools for his children in Madrid

Andy Mangan, centre, will not be moving to Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Stockport County’s assistant coach Andy Mangan has been denied a dream move to work for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid due to Brexit regulations.

Mangan undertook his Uefa coaching qualification alongside Ancelotti’s son, Davide, who is part of the coaching staff at Madrid and recommended the League One coach to his father.

Madrid made a formal approach for Mangan’s services and an agreement was reached with both Stockport and the coach, but his work permit was rejected, according to the Sunday Times.

It is unclear why Mangan’s work permit application was rejected. One determining factor is the requisite experience to prove expertise in the chosen field.

Mangan, 38, had begun Spanish lessons and was beginning his search for a home and schools for his children in Madrid before the move was quashed.

Carlo Ancelotti had been keen to add someone to his staff with experience in the English Football League, according to the Athletic.

Mangan played as a striker for a number of clubs including Accrington Stanley, Wrexham and Fleetwood Town. He was briefly caretaker manager of Bristol Rovers last year, having worked under Joey Barton at both Rovers and Fleetwood Town.