Scott Brown phoned his former boss and current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before declining the opportunity to manage St Johnstone, the Hoops gaffer revealed on Friday.
Despite the prospect of taking his first managerial role in the Premiership, Brown opted to continue his promising start at Ayr United, a decision influenced by advice from Rodgers.
Rodgers, who has kept in touch with Brown since their time together at Celtic, discussed the opportunity with him, emphasising the importance of timing and the right fit for his managerial career.
While the specifics of their conversation remain private, Rodgers expressed his belief that Brown is on the right path.
“Probably. He’s on that trajectory. If I’m still here and want it then we may well do. I think for him to manage at the top level here in Scotland. It’s only a matter of time. Whether that’s with Ayr or someone else it’s a matter of time.
“It was an open conversation and all I ever do is recommend. I would never tell anyone what to do when they ask advice. He knows his own mind. He knows that he’s got a few people he can reach out to just to get a different perspective.
“Scott’s doing a fantastic job at Ayr, him and Stephen (Whittaker) and his staff are doing really well there. They’ve obviously lifted Ayr into a really good place having joined them last season. I think for Scott there’s no rush. I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a really successful manager.
“For Scott it’s not about a club for his next step, it’s about the right club. I always think that, especially when you’re a young manager, getting to the right club is important. But not if you’re already at a good club. He’s at a good club and he’s happy. I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t take it.
“When you’re a young manager it’s about balancing ambition and it feels like you might want to make a move while making sure it is a live move. I was probably in my younger days guilty of it. I was in a rush to get to the Premier League because it’s the most competitive league in the world and it’s a challenge. But obviously when you can sit back and have more information and more knowledge and experience then you can probably look at it a lot clearer. I think ambition is important. I think you have to have that.
“But the ambition can be for the club you’re in and the people you work with as well as yourself. I just see him in a really good place. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’ll manage at the highest level. It’s all about timing and at the right time. I’m very, very confident that he will get there.”
Scott Brown has made the right choice, choosing to stay with Ayr rather than jump at the chance of a premiership job with St Johnstone. He’s got a good chance of getting Ayr into the top flight this season, whereas St Johsntone are set to be in the relegation battle again this year.
There’ll be no reunion between Brown and Rodgers this weekend in Perth.
The Celtic manager is looking to continue his 100% start to the season with the Hoops, with the side yet to concede a goal.
Aberdeen, who are in second place on goal difference, could push ahead of the Bhoys, with a 3 pm kick off on Saturday.
