John Hartson Set To Snub East Stirling Manager Bid

[statto]

JOHN HARTSON is set to knock back the chance to start a managerial career at East Stirling.

Record Sport understands the former Celtic striker will tell the Third Division outfit he is not ready to cut his teeth in the dugout despite being made a lucrative offer to become the club's player boss.

Hartson, 33, hung up his boots six weeks ago when he quit West Brom and has been focusing on a new career as a pundit with Setanta.

The Welshman is open to the idea of returning to the game as a gaffer but believes he needs more time to prepare himself properly.

A close friend said: "John is flattered by East Stirling's offer and has been impressed by the people he has spoken to.

"They met on Saturday and John asked for time to think it over but has decided this job is not the one for him.

"He's working with some experienced coaches at Setanta and wants to learn from them before he takes up his first managerial post.

"Unfortunately for East Stirling the timing isn't right but that's not to say John won't take up a post at some time in the future."

Shire owner Spencer Fearn confirmed he offered Hartson the job.

He said: "I know all about John's passion for football and that prompted me to contact him with the hope of bringing him to the club.

"We met in Glasgow and I put our plans to him and I think he liked what we had to say.

"He promised to think things over and hopefully he'll still decide to come on board.

"It's clear he wants to get back into football and fancies a crack at management."

It's not the first time Shire have made a move to lure a big name to Firs Park after failing to persuade Paul Gascoigne to come out of retirement in 2005.

But with multi-millionaire Fearn on board they're now better placed to get their man as they bid to avoid finishing bottom for the first time in six seasons.

[oscar]

Pity - coz I'm sick of listening to him on Setanta!!