Diamonds can reap the rewards of Ian’s Norwegian sojourn
A fresh start in a new country can often kick-start a career in football.
That’s certainly the case with Airdrie boss Ian Murray.
A two- year stint coaching in Norway has led to him returning to Scotland with a renewed enthusiasm for management.
There will be some Diamonds fans hoping one of the 37- year- old’s former team-mates decide to try his luck abroad before they travel to play Celtic in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
But Murray doesn’t reckon Scott Brown will be tempted to try his luck in Australia.
He believes there’s still plenty of life in the Parkhead skipper, and a disappointing defeat at the hands of Rangers isn’t going to change that.
Murray said: “Scott Brown is not a spent force. I reckon he can play in the Premiership for at least another two seasons.
“Of course, he’s not getting any younger and you can be asked to play 50 to 60 games a season with Celtic.
“That’s not easy for anyone. But Scott knows the limitations of his body and how to manage it.
“Would he be tempted to spend time in Australia? I’m sure that’s something he would discuss with his own family,
“He might be tempted to experience another culture, like I did in Norway. But I’d say it’s more likely that he will stay at Celtic and get involved inn coaching. coaching
“He’s already doing a bit, and you can see that becoming a long-term career path.”
The pair spent six yearss together at Hibs before Murray left for Rangers and Brown joined Celtic.
You might have thought the Airdrie manager would be pleased to see his former club winning the Old Firm game – but he knows the re could be repercussions this Saturday.
Murray went on: “Celtic wouldld never have taken this tie lightly, but after losing to Rangers at Ibrox, they’ll really have the bit between their teeth.
“That doesn’t make things any easier for us.
“I haven’t crossed paths with Brendan Rodgers during my career, so talking to him and a getting a little bit of his knowledge will be something I can look forward to.
“I watched Celtic a lot when I was scouting for Middlesbrough, and we can source lots of video analysis.
“It’s actually easier to prepare for playing at Parkhead than it might be against some of the sides we play on a regular basis.
“That’s no disrespect to other clubs. It’s just that Celtic are on the television so often, a vast amount of footage is readily available.
“What I’ll be drumming into the players is to break the gamee down into stages, and do their best to compete in each onne.
“Whatever happens, there will be a long-term benefit for the club.
“This game will be a welcome financial gain, and our players will get experience that you just can’t buy.
“We have 18 and 19- year- olds who’ve maybe not even been to Celtic Park. They should take a lot from everything surrounding the tie.”
Murray’s managerial career has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
A fantastic start with Dumbarton saw him regarded as one of the hottest young managers in Scotland, and led to a move to St Mirren.
That, however, only lasted six months. He then became assistant to former Hibs player, Kevin Nicol, at Norwegian outfit, Asker, a two- year spell he now wishes had come earlier.
“Hindsight is a great thing, but going abroad really broadened my mind,” Murray continued. “I was immersed in a totally different culture and lifestyle.
“Kevin is an excellent coach, and is producing great work at a relatively young age. He’s as good a young manager as I’ve seen.
“He’s been in Norway for a number of years now, so it would probably take a tempting offer to persuade him to leave.
“But I’d highly recommend him to any team looking for a new manager.
“Asker were keen for me to sign a new contract, and if it hadn’t been for the chance to join Airdrie, I was ready to make it three years in Norway.
“This as been a breath of fresh air for me.
“The new owners are really good communicators. We speak on a regular basis, but I’m also allowed time and space to get on with my work.
“Of course, the first team takes top priority but we’re also looking to develop the overall structure of the club.
“That’s something that will, hopefully, lay the ground work for moving forward over the next 10 to 15 years.”