Shrewsbury Town are reportedly aiming to bring back their former striker, Andy Mangan, as the new manager, replacing Paul Hurst.
The club recently parted ways with Hurst following a disappointing season, with only two wins from 14 league games. The potential appointment of Mangan has piqued interest, as he boasts a rich history both with the club and across various National League teams.
Who is Andy Mangan?
Andy Mangan, a Liverpool-born striker, played for several clubs in the National League, including notable stints at Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers, and Fleetwood Town. Starting his career at Blackpool, Mangan later played for Accrington Stanley and Tranmere Rovers before joining Forest Green, where he had a standout season, netting 26 league goals in 41 games.
After his success at Forest Green, Mangan moved to Wrexham, where he continued his scoring streak with 22 goals over two seasons. He then joined Fleetwood Town and was part of the team that achieved promotion to the Football League, contributing an impressive 19 goals alongside now-famous teammate Jamie Vardy. Mangan eventually joined Shrewsbury Town, where he recorded 16 goals and nine assists in 70 appearances, helping the team secure promotion to League One.
After leaving Shrewsbury, Mangan continued his career in the National League and Welsh leagues, eventually playing for AFC Fylde and Bala Town before retiring at Accrington Stanley.
🚨 @BBCShropSport understands former #Shrewsbury striker Andy Mangan is one of the candidates for the vacant head coach role
Mangan was recently denied a move to Real Madrid due to work visa issues. #BBCFootball | #Salop pic.twitter.com/40OuhmZSOs
— BBC Sport Shropshire (@BBCShropSport) November 8, 2024
From Player to Coach: Mangan’s Journey in Management
Upon retiring, Mangan transitioned into coaching, joining Fleetwood Town as assistant manager under Joey Barton in 2019. He later followed Barton to Bristol Rovers, where he served as interim manager after Barton’s departure. Mangan’s seven-game stint in charge saw Rovers lose just once, with four wins and two draws, scoring 14 goals in the process. Despite his success, he moved on from Bristol Rovers in late 2023, eventually joining Stockport County as an assistant to Dave Challinor.
In an interesting turn, Mangan was reportedly approached for a coaching role under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid but was unable to accept due to visa complications. This missed opportunity only adds intrigue to his potential as a manager, showcasing the high regard in which his coaching abilities are held.
Our View
Appointing Andy Mangan may be seen as a risk by some, given his limited experience as a head manager. However, Mangan has demonstrated a strong aptitude for coaching, with a record of improving team performance in a short span, as evidenced by his time at Bristol Rovers. His work as an assistant at various clubs, combined with his familiarity with Shrewsbury Town and its fanbase, might make him an inspired choice.
Shrewsbury Town may benefit from looking beyond the typical candidates and embracing a fresh approach with Mangan. His potential to bring energy, innovation, and a deep understanding of the lower leagues could be precisely what the team needs to revitalize its fortunes. As a former player, Mangan knows the club’s culture and expectations, which might bridge the gap between the squad and management, fostering unity and focus as they work towards improvement.
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