Celtic legend Henrik Larsson has been offered a job as a manager in England, according to reports.
The man the Celtic fans called The King of Kings has not had a great time of it since his managerial career got underway, with spells at various clubs ending badly.
His last management job was at Helsingborg; it was his second time at the club where, like Celtic, the man is an idol. And just like the first spell there, he left the club under a cloud when he resigned last month after receiving mountains of abuse online after he oversaw a humiliating cup knockout.
Over the years many have mooted a return to Celtic Park – indeed there was much speculation that Lennon would bring him to Parkhead in a coaching role – but if what he craves is the manager’s job itself one day, it couldn’t be contemplated at the moment.
But a successful spell in the dugout somewhere could be a game-changer for the Swede.
Now Southend have come in with a potential offer; they have been without a boss since Kevin Bond left following a bad spell that left them second bottom of League One with only Bolton, who suffered a points deduction, behind them.
It’s a big job, a difficult job, but Larsson might feel that he has what it takes.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
A lot of managers do not do well at the clubs where they were icons; there is a unique pressure that goes with that which many find difficult to bear. Frank Lampard has had a stuttering start at Chelsea, for example, and everyone in Scotland knows what happened to Ally McCoist at Ibrox.
Helsingborg might not have been the right club for Larsson … a spell in England might be more what he needs to cut his managerial teeth before an even more spectacular homecoming can be mooted, far less discussed as a serious prospect.