So Gordon Strachan returned to English football on Monday after taking over as manager at Middlesbrough.
Before the press conference announcing the appointment, Sky Sports News said something along the lines of "well he may have done a good job at Celtic, but he hasn't been very successful in England with Coventry and Southampton". I didn't know whether to be insulted by this, as Strachan is undoubtedly the most popular manager Saints have had since Lawrie McMenemy left the post in 1985. 'Wee Gordon', as he became affectionately known as, took over as Southampton manager in October 2001 and within 18 months had guided the club to only their second ever FA Cup final and their highest ever Premier League position of eighth. During his spell as manager, Strachan managed to bring out the best of James Beattie, who scored 23 league goals in the 2002-2003 season and signed fan favourites such as Michael Svensson, Brett Ormorod and Fabrice Fernandes. I'm sure most Saints fans will agree that the club started to go downhill the day Strachan left in February 2004.
Strachan may not have had much success at Coventry, but it is a bit harsh to say he was unsuccessful at Southampton.
The following Gordon Strachan quotes have appeared all over the Internet, but I don't think they ever get old, so in some classic 'churnalism', here's my top five soundbites from the charismatic Scotsman:
5. Reporter: "Gordon, could we have a quick word please?"
Strachan: "Velocity" (walks off)
4. (On Wayne Rooney getting into England squad) "At 17 you're more likely to get a call from Michael Jackson than Sven-Goran Eriksson."
3. Reporter: "Gordon, you must be delighted with that result."
Strachan: "You're spot on! You can read me like a book."
2. Reporter: "You don't take losing too lightly, do you Gordon?"
Strachan: "I don't take stupid comments lightly either."
1. "I've got more important things to worry about. I've got a yogurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today. That can be my priority rather than Agustin Delgado."
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2 comments:
Strachan could do a lot better than Middlesbrough. Although I suppose it's near Glasgow so he doesn't have to move house.
Apparently he has a house down here near Southampton as well, was linked with director of Football job at Saints in the summer.
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