Scott Brown sparks managerial tug of war as Celtic hero attracts Forest Green Rovers attention amid Ayr advances

The former midfielder has plenty options as he looks to take a step back into the dugout.

English minnows Forest Green Rovers have made a dramatic 11th-hour bid to hijack Ayr United’s ambitious attempt to make Scott Brown their next boss.

Record Sport understands Celtic hero Brown was in Ayrshire yesterday to hold talks with Ayr owner David Smith about taking over from sacked boss Lee Bullen. Brown was spotted by stunned locals in the town centre, sparking rumours that his appointment might be imminent.

But Forest Green threw a major spanner in the works late in the afternoon when they made an approach to the 38-year-old following the decision to sack former Watford striker Troy Deeney after just 29 days in charge. Brown could be lured into travelling south over the next 24 hours for discussions with the League Two strugglers. He ticks many of the same high-profile boxes as former FGR bosses Duncan Ferguson and Deeney but, after cutting his teeth in management in League One with Fleetwood Town, he does have the advantage of previous experience in the dugout.

And the League Two strugglers will be hoping his preference is to have another crack at English football. Ayr chairman Smith has led his club’s attempt to lure Brown.

Brown’s best friend, former Rangers star Kevin Thomson, is another name on Smith’s shortlist along with the likes of former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew.

Ian McCall and Dick Campbell are also thought to be in contention, with Ayr hoping to make an appointment ahead of Saturday’s relegation six-pointer with Queen’s Park.