Kevin Thomson admits he struggles to take Scott Brown seriously now he’s given his hard-man image the chop.
But the former Hibs and Rangers ace insists no-one should have any doubts over his best mate’s determination to succeed in management.
Retired Celtic and Scotland skipper Brown is taking his first steps as a boss after accepting an opportunity at English League One outfit Fleetwood.
The career change has prompted an image update, with the 36-year-old ditching the clippers and his trademark cropped look as he seeks to put some distance between his new role and his days as Scottish football’s most combatant midfield enforcer.
In its place has come slick side-shed but the new appearance is taking some getting used to for long-time friend and former Easter Road partner Thomson.
But then again, the ex-Ibrox star has long known the bald truth about Broony is that there is much more to him than his on-field pantomime persona would suggest.
Asked about his old team-mate’s new hair-do, Thomson told Record Sport : “I wish I had some of it myself.
“It’s hard to take him seriously now having known him for so long with that hardman look!
“But to be honest, that hard exterior you saw when he had his game face on during matches is not the boy you meet off the pitch.
“He’s loved by people at the clubs he’s played at and that’s not me just saying that because he’s my mate.
“He has a prestige and people respect him. But he is also a humble lad.
“He comes from a working-class background. I used to go for lunch with his parents Heather and Brian when we were at Hibs and trained at Dalgety Bay. They’re lovely people.
“So his persona on the field is totally different off it - but a lot of people won’t want to see that side of Scotty.
“A lot of folk just want to hate him because he was a good player, playing for your big rivals. But that never bothered him.
“What he might find tough is that he probably won’t be able to get involved in all the banter and mischief stuff he loved as a player, because he can’t have that persona as a manager.
“But he’ll know that and there is a straight-faced, serious side to him.
“He’s going to need to use all those different parts of his personality to grab this changing room and make a success of himself.”
Brown’s had a short insight into the pressures he’s likely to face in the months ahead after his stint as Stephen Glass' Aberdeen assistant last term.
The nature of the cut-throat business he’s stepping into was brutally demonstrated when his friend was given the axe by Pittodrie chairman Dave Cormack after just 11 months in charge.
The first test of Brown’s capabilities will come in just five week's time when his new side - who had goal difference to thank as they dodged relegation last term by the skin of their teeth - open their campaign away to Barrow.
But Thomson expects his mate to pass it with flying colours given Brown will be able to fall back on the lessons learned during an apprenticeship that gave him a close-up view of three managerial masters at work.
Thomson added: “I know he loved Neil Lennon, who you could argue has a similar personality to Broony’s. A wee bit fiery, he’s a fighter.
“He also spoke very highly of Brendan Rodgers and loved Gordon Strachan too.
“He’s had that experience of working with three top coaches who are all really different.
“So it will be really interesting to see the direction he goes in but I think he’ll do it his own way.
“I can’t wait to see how he develops. I’ve already told him I want to go down and take in a game and some sessions.
“He’ll be well supported going down to Fleetwood with Steven Whittaker, who he’s really tight with.
“Stephen Crainey and Barry Nicholas are down there and will have an insight into the club they can give Scott, so hopefully he’s got the allies he needs to be a success again.”
Thomson has experienced the transition Brown is now going through himself.
He successfully guided Kelty Hearts to the League Two title before stepping down last month to explore new opportunities elsewhere and is now in line to replace Paul Hartley at Cove Rangers.
There will no doubt be ups and downs for Brown too in the months ahead but Thomson insists a man who spent 14 years - 11 of them as captain - marshalling spirits in the Parkhead dressing room will have little bother adapting his leadership style now he’s in the dugout.
He said: “We’ve already exchanged texts laughing about the fact that as soon as you become a manager, every agent in the country somehow seems to acquire your number looking to offer you players.
“There’s just so many random phone calls you have to deal with - but then again that’s probably normal for Scotty!
“What he will find is how managing a difference it makes when you become the one required to make all the decisions.
“It’s a totally different feeling from being a player.
“As players, you’re selfish but when you become the boss all of a sudden you’re thinking about 15 pr 16 staff members and a squad of up to 26 players.
“So dealing with all those individuals and any problems they may have is something you have to be ready for. You have to understand people, really.
“I’d like to think I’m a good people-person and I always treat others with respect but that also doesn’t mean everybody is going to like me.
“At the end of the day, if you’re leaving someone out the team they’re not going to think the gaffer is a great guy. You have to be ready for that.
“The reason why a lot of people fail is because they’re not good man managers.
“But Scott was a brilliant captain and had a brilliant career. He’s got prestige, he’s got personality and presence. All ingredients that I think are really important as a manager.”
