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Andy Mangan (pictured centre) missed out on a dream move to Real Madrid(Image: Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

A former journeyman striker was thwarted from a dream coaching role at Real Madrid due to Brexit regulations, causing an outburst from a Liverpool legend.

Andy Mangan, who spent the majority of his playing career in the lower tiers of the EFL and the National League, was denied his golden opportunity.

Mangan was with League One side Stockport County in September 2024 when an unexpected offer came from Carlo Ancelotti to join the coaching staff at Real Madrid.

The proposal came after the 38-year-old completed his UEFA coaching badges alongside Ancelotti's son, Davide, who also works at Madrid, with the pair maintaining a strong bond.

Talks advanced to the point where Mangan started taking Spanish lessons and even travelled to the Spanish capital to scout schools for his children, according to The Times.

But Mangan’s dream of coaching stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude ­Bellingham came crashing down when his work permit application was rejected, a bureaucratic hurdle that only came into being post-Brexit.

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher voiced his displeasure on the matter, taking to social media to lament Mangan’s misfortune.

The Anfield hero expressed his frustrations on X: "Chance of a lifetime lost for a young English coach, but he's got a blue passport so I'm sure he'll get over it (thumbs up emoji) #BrexitShambles." With the Madrid opportunity now off the table, Mangan refocused on his role at Stockport, where he continues to serve as an assistant coach with a keen eye on honing the club's attackers.

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher was left unhappy after discovering Mangan's misfortune(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

His talents didn't go unnoticed as he was subsequently considered for the head coach vacancy at Shrewsbury, his old stomping ground, following Paul Hurst’s departure.

The club have progressed significantly in the last few years under manager Dave Challinor, clinching the National League crown in 2022 and becoming champions of League Two in their last campaign.

Mangan started his professional playing career with Accrington Stanley, Bury 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.

Andy Mangan in action for Tranmere Rovers during his playing career

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Mangan was appointed as Bristol Rovers caretaker manager when Joey Barton was relieved of his duties at the League One club in October 2023.