Strachan - the man for the Boro

Strachan 'attracted by 'Boro stability'

New Boro manager Gordon Strachan is a man who inspires a passionate response.

There was a range of opinions expressed by people contacting the BBC Tees website when his name was first suggested.

Keith Hetherington said,"Gordon Strachan for the job, come on boro, from everyone in Australia"

But Shaun Ashley wasn't so sure, "Hopefully the next manager can ignite the passion in the Boro fans again. Can Strachan do that? I have my doubts."

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Gordon Strachan the player received his guidance from a string of tough managers, notably Sir Alex Ferguson who nurtured him first at Aberdeen, and then again at Manchester United.

The hallmarks of a Ferguson 'education' are all there - professionalism, appetite to win, spikiness when needed - Strachan was a fiery midfielder who could tackle equally as naturally as thread a killer pass.

And during an era where players still treated days off as a chance to grab a few pints, Strachan adhered to a strict personal fitness code, notably he was a fan of the humble banana, a regime that not only extended his playing career to the age of 40, but also brought him a League title winners medal as part of the Leeds United team under Howard Wilkinson in 1992.

Strachan's break in management came under Ron Atkinson at Coventry where he was made a player-coach, and when Atkinson moved upstairs into a director of football role, the player turned manager and performed a juggling act in maintaining their top flight status before he and the club parted company in 2001.

Strachan's style is direct and the internet is littered with quotes from press interviews

Gordon Strachan quotes...

And videos of his sometimes caustic responses in interviews and press conferences...

Gordon Strachan on YouTube

His spell at Southampton showed his real abilities as a motivator, not to mention a shrewd operator in the transfer market.

He arrived at St Mary's with the stadium under a jinx. However Strachan lifted the mood with his off-beat interviews and his close-knit bond with the players.

Players of the calibre of Antti Niemi arrived - a goalkeeper who would go on to play a big part in later success with the club - and existing squad members such as James Beattie were revitalised to the extent that they were considered for England recognition.

His spell at Celtic showed Strachan's mettle and character - oft criticised by elements of the club's support, his haul of trophies was impressive - three SPL titles and two appearances in the last 16 of the Champions League - a rarity for Scottish clubs in recent times.

Interestingly Rangers' supporters nicknamed him 'wee Chesney' after the child character in Coronation Street.

Strachan is also the father of two sons, Gavin and Craig, with whom he launched a soccer school in August 2009

What the Strachans did next

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