SCOTT BROWN says he is eagerly anticipating his competitive managerial bow after almost five months missing a matchday buzz.
The Celtic legend begins his new career for real when taking Fleetwood to Port Vale for their League One season opener on Saturday.
Brown and assistant Steven Whittaker warmed up for the first of 46 third tier games with a 2-1 friendly victory over Dundee United.
The 37-year-old left Aberdeen in early March, days after defeat to Hearts.
He was appointed Fleetwood boss two months later, 48 hours after officially announcing his retirement.
Brown admits he can’t wait to start the serious business after plotting a way through his first preseason as boss.
He said: "It’s been good. It’s different because, obviously, I retired and then got this job two days later.
"It’s a big change for me but everyone has helped me out. The chairman (Andy Pilley) has given me a lot of time, help and understanding to come into a huge football club like this.
"League One is a fantastic league. I can’t wait for the competitive stuff to start, you miss that.
"But already before the games, I’ve enjoyed the preparation and been looking forward to seeing what we’ve worked on all week."
Brown goes into his dugout debut on the back of a win over Jack Ross’s unlucky side.
Ex-Hibs midfielder Josh Vela netted an 89th minute winner after Charlie Mulgrew cancelled out Dan Batty’s opener.
Brown liked what he saw from his squad who must improve on last year’s fifth-bottom finish.
"I felt the understanding in the team was brilliant,’ he said. ‘That’s the way we want to press, the way we want to play.
"There’s always going to be mistakes, there’s always going to be people giving the ball away.
"But it’s about reactions and how they get the ball back. The attitude was incredible.
"I believe this club should be doing a lot better than what we did last season. That’s my job now. To make sure that happens."
