Scott Brown happy to see John Collins at Celtic

CELTIC captain Scott Brown insists the arrival of his former Hibernian manager John Collins is a positive step.
John Collins keeps an eye on Scott Brown during Celtic training at Lennoxtown. Picture: John DevlinJohn Collins keeps an eye on Scott Brown during Celtic training at Lennoxtown. Picture: John Devlin
John Collins keeps an eye on Scott Brown during Celtic training at Lennoxtown. Picture: John Devlin

And the midfielder stressed he made sure he did not fall out with Collins at any stage because he suspected they might work together again.

Brown was part of a first-team squad that infamously complained to Hibs chairman Rod Petrie over the working methods of Collins in 2007 and he left for Celtic Park in a £4.4million move weeks later.

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Celtic boss Ronny Deila felt the need to phone Brown during his holidays to talk to him about the appointment of his assistant but Collins denied ever having a problem with the Scotland player on the training field and revealed he gave him a glowing reference during transfer negotiations.

Brown, who returned to pre-season training on Tuesday, told Celtic TV: “John’s come in and everyone’s making it a big issue but me and John have got on fine since he’s come in. There’s been no hard feelings whatsoever.

“It’s been positive so hopefully that can continue. It’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed every single minute.”

When asked whether it was about doing his talking on the park, Brown said: “It’s all about not falling out with people because you always know someone could come back and you could be working with them again.

“I knew John might be working at Celtic at one point because he’s a legend here and there was always that possibility.”

The pair’s relationship was the focus of much speculation but Brown said: “There’s always negativity and people trying to start something but you have just got to focus on the positives. It’s two good management staff that have come in and it’s going to be good for us.

“They seem like they’re enjoying themselves so far so hopefully that continues and we make their job a lot easier.”

Deila and Collins have been joined by John Kennedy on the training field as the former Celtic defender steps up from his youth coaching duties.

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“I think the gaffer’s done really well there,” Brown said. “He said he didn’t want to bring in too many new faces. Big John knows this club inside out and he loves the club. He’s good to work under and he’s really positive.”

The Scotland skipper has a new appreciation of coaching after attending a B licence course at the Scottish Football Association’s base in Largs.

Brown, who is celebrating his 29th birthday, said: “They’ll be calling me little Jose now. I think it’s good for any professional to learn that aspect of the game though. It shows you what goes on behind the scenes and that it’s not about turning up and putting out cones. There is a lot of planning and a lot of thinking that goes into it.”

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