Andy Mangan, the assistant coach at Stockport, had his work visa denied, which has prevented him from joining Real Madrid.
The former Tranmere and Shrewsbury striker was on the verge of joining the La Liga champions to train under manager Carlo Ancelotti, but the move is subject to a work permit.
However, the 38-year-old’s application, which could have taken up to nine months to process, is believed to have been refused by the Spanish government, and the move is currently stalled.
Mangan had previously worked with Ancelotti’s son, Davide, who is now on the Madrid staff, while pursuing his Uefa coaching badges.
He joined Stockport in the summer, after the club won League Two under manager Dave Challinor. The Hatters are undefeated and second in League One after four games.
The former forward Mangan played in the lower leagues, making appearances for Accrington, Forest Green, and Tranmere. He also earned three promotions from the National League.
Additionally, he served as first-team coach at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers alongside Joey Barton. Following Barton’s firing in 2023, he took over as caretaker at Rovers.
Written by Jennifer Amarachi
