From Nou Camp to Firs Park - could John Hartson follow in the managerial footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson? - Sport

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

• More Celtic news

And although few of his adoring Parkhead legions would ever have seen the Welshman as management potential, Hartson may be about to prove them all wrong.

The man whose goal against Barca earned a 1-1 draw back in November 2004 has been challenged to follow in the managerial footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson - by taking over at lowly East Stirlingshire.

Scroll down for more

Hartson, pictured above during his playing days for Celtic, could make an unexpected move into management

Club owner Spencer Fearn confirmed to Sportsmail last night that the ex-Celt had responded positively to an offer to step into Third Division management.

He said: "If it was good enough for Sir Alex, it should be good enough for big John.

"We spoke to him last night and he was very positive, although there is a lot to consider. His kids are back down in Swansea and he has to think of that. But the discussions went well. He was positive and fine about it coming out in public.

"I know John is doing media stuff but he wants to get into coaching. We've had a decent budget this year and next season, with the money we made from the Scottish Cup tie against Rangers, we will have a real crack at it.

"He knows we want to get up into the Second Division and he could be the man to do it. I've always admired John for his passion and desire. He gives everything and has a sharp football mind. He has played at some wonderful clubs, worked under great managers and has a lot to offer. He would also be assisted by John Brownlie, who would be the experienced No2.

"John told us he would get back to us on Tuesday or Wednesday. We're really hopeful this will work out."

Fearn has been involved with the Shire since November 2006, first through sponsorship and more recently taking over the football side.

Outlining his immediate plans, he said: "The ground is going to be sold and the proceeds split among shareholders, then we have a five-year deal to share with Stenhousemuir.

"After that, part of my business is in running training programmes, a lot of which involves getting money out of the government. So we'll be looking for a new stadium and hoping to use that to get funds."