Former Celtic star Alan Thompson is keen to return to “the buzz” of Scottish football

ALAN THOMPSON is ready to get back into football.

And being back involved in Scottish football again is something that really appeals to him.

The 44-year-old former Celtic star parted company with English League One side, Bury, earlier in the season where he was Lee Clark’s assistant manager

He’d also had spells with him as No. 2 at Birmingham City and Blackpool.

But it was during his spell at Parkhead as part of Neil Lennon’s staff that he had his finest moments, helping the club win the SPFL Premiership title in 2012, the first one of the current run of seven-in-a-row.

Thompson heads north of the border from his home in Newcastle as often as possible to keep his eye on the talent in the Scottish game, and learn from managers’ varied methods around the country.

He told The Sunday Post: “During my career, my happiest and most successful time came in Scotland.

“I try to get up as often as possible. I rate the Scottish game highly, and there are some quality players, for sure.

“I also think the standard of coaching and management is very high.

“To have someone of the calibre of Brendan Rodgers is brilliant for Celtic and the game in Scotland. He brings extra kudos and has raised the bar.

“You then look at the stamp Steve Clarke has put on Kilmarnock in just six months. It has been quite incredible.

“He has a wonderful CV and has only enhanced it from his time in Scotland.

“But that is the case all over, from the excellent job Neil Lennon is doing at Hibs to the consistency from Derek McInnes at Aberdeen over five years.

“Then there’s Steve Robinson, who has now taken Motherwell to two cup finals. So it’s all positive.

“It’s an education to come to Scotland and study what these guys are doing, even if it’s just for 90 minutes on a Saturday.

“I think there is a good buzz in Scottish football, and that’s why I’m open to coming back. Of course, you need to wait for an opportunity.

“As a player, I was fortunate enough to work under guys such as Martin O’Neill and Bruce Rioch.

“Martin is an exceptional man, and I have so much respect and admiration for him.

“I had the pleasure of being in his company last week at John Hartson’s Foundation golf day and he was in great form.

“It was lovely to sit down and reminisce with the gaffer, John, Stan Petrov, Tom Boyd and Rab Douglas.

“We also spoke about management and the demands involved.

“You have no time to switch off, and unless you are willing to work seven days a week, you’d be as well not to bother going into it.

“I’ve got a great work ethic, and I know I have lots to offer.

“I make it my business to find out something new every day and jot it down.

“You can’t afford to stand still in football, it moves along at such a frightening pace.

“Also, being with Lee Clark at three clubs has been good because he knows the game inside out.

“Whether it’s as a manager or a coach and taking an Academy, I’m open to it all.

“I just love the game and want to help players improve. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Thompson still has many friends at Parkhead and is pleased to see the club doing so well.

The man who became the first Celtic player to win an England cap, against Sweden in 2004, said: “I was privileged to be part of the Celtic team that won the Treble back in 2001.

“That was a wonderful period of my career, and we went on to enjoy great Champions League nights and the UEFA Cup Final in Seville in 2003.

“I look at what’s happening now, and Brendan has managed to bring incredible success to the club.

“They are on the verge of back-to-back Trebles, and the comprehensive victory against Rangers last weekend put down yet another marker.

“They now need to beat Motherwell in the Scottish Cup Final to write yet another special chapter in the history of the club.

“I think they will do it. That said, Motherwell will be difficult opponents as they have a few really good players, such as Curtis Main and Chris Cadden.

“But Brendan has never lost a game at Hampden, and I think he will keep that record going.”