Tam Courts reveals Brondby managerial near miss but ex Dundee United boss defiant after talks

The former Tannadice manager had got down to the final two for a job over in Denmark.

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Tam Courts has revealed he just missed out on landing the Brondby job.

The former Dundee United boss got down to the final two but lost out to Danish under-21 boss Jesper Sorensen last month. The 41-year-old has been out of football since he left Honved last year. Courts has already turned down a number of opportunities to return to football but he is prepared to wait for the right project or job for him.

Courts confirmed: “I had quite extensive conversations with their sporting director and with the incoming owner of Brondby. Both discussions were really positive and productive conversations. I really enjoyed the challenge and process of pitching myself at a club that size, in terms of history and tradition which is recognisable right across Europe. When you are in for top jobs like that there are always other top candidates involved in the process.

“I did quite well because I got down to the last two. Brondby was one that whetted the appetite but unfortunately I just missed out. I didn’t get the job but I had a lot of good feedback from it and I have come away from that process feeling really positive.”

The former United boss has already had some follow-up discussions with Global Football Holdings, the owners of Brondby. They also own German side Augsburg, Estoril Praia in Portugal and Belgian side SK Beveren.

Courts added: “I have actually been invited to a couple of follow-up meetings with the company. It wasn’t an interview but it was more of let's get to understand each other a bit more and let's see what could happen in the future. I am pleased with the way things have gone and it will be a good iron in the fire for me, I am sure.”

Courts has had several approaches to return to management but has turned them down as he waits to take the next step on the ladder. He claimed: “I do want to be selective in my job search. I recognise the next move for me is an important one.

“There have been talks with my agents from a couple of clubs recently but we just felt it hasn’t been the right time to take those particular jobs. There have been jobs where they have been more short-term and higher risk. So we have decided to wait until the right job or a better fit comes up.”

Courts was linked with the Motherwell job but he admitted wasn’t really an option for him, although he would never shut the door on a return to the Scottish Premiership going forward. He added: “I am open to managing in Scotland again but I am very receptive to working in different countries and challenging myself in different environments. Sometimes that inner drive to work, coach, manage and be at the sharp end of football is a real strong urge, just now it is about being selective and that is my priority just now.”