Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon was this week unveiled as the new manager of Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia and has since revealed he had thoughts about bringing ex-captain and Hoops legend Scott Brown to his new club.
Both Lennon and Brown have a long history with one another at Celtic, with the duo’s time at the club coming to an end last season under unfortunate and disappointing circumstances as the 2020/21 campaign petered out.
Up until last week, Lennon was still without a management job, and Brown was a player-coach at fellow Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen.
However, in the last seven days, that has been flipped on its head with Lennon taking the role in Cyprus and Brown announcing his departure from the Dons, with potential retirement on his mind.
In the aftermath of his decision, there was early speculation about where he could be headed – joining up with Lennon was mentioned by a number of people.
Speaking to Sun Sport, Lennon revealed he had thought about attempting to bring the 36-year old to Cyprus but thought the call would come too soon for Brown, having just made the decision to depart the Pittodrie side.
The 50-year old also stated that he does believe they will work together within football again further down the line.
“I thought about Scott, I’m not going to lie.
“But it was just the timing of it, me coming here and Scott leaving his post at Aberdeen.
“It’s no secret how highly I regard Broony. He was a wonderful captain for me, and I’ve got all the time in the world for him.
“I think he needs a bit of time, a bit of reflection time with his family, and he can see what other opportunities there will be for him.
“It’s probably too soon for him to come out and do something like this anyway, although he’s always welcome to visit.
“It would be great to see Broony if he fancied getting away from it all.
“For Broony, I hope that people take away all the nonsense that’s said about him and what they think about him.
“Just look at his career from a stone-cold point of view and realise what an absolute legend of the Scottish game he is.
“That’s not a term I use lightly, but Broony deserves that kind of recognition for what he’s done in the game.
“His record of success as Celtic captain is sensational and phenomenal.
“He’s undoubtedly a modern-day great.
“Broony will be sorely missed in the game if that’s him with Scottish football. But we’ll see.
“I definitely think I’ll work with him again one day.
“Maybe Broony can do the top job, and I’ll just sit beside him and make the tea!”
Despite the ending that they had at Celtic, going off what Lennon says, it does sound like they both have a good relationship with one another.
It is no surprise to hear Lennon has brought former number two at Celtic and Hibs Garry Parker to Cyprus to work alongside him, but it would have certainly been interesting to see if Brown decided to go if handed the offer.
At this stage, the Celtic legend has announced his intentions to take some time away from the game to spend with his family. On his return, though, I am sure he will be filled with offers of new coaching opportunities, including a potential return with Celtic in some capacity.
