Jump to content

Gordon Strachan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
This article is about the football manager and former player. For other people, see Gordon Strachan (disambiguation).

Gordon Strachan
OBE
Strachan as manager of Celtic in 2007
Personal information
Full name Gordon David Strachan[1]
Date of birth (1957-02-09) 9 February 1957 (age 67)[2]
Place of birth Edinburgh, Scotland
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Dundee (technical director)
Youth career
1971–1974 Dundee
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1974–1977 Dundee 69 (13)
1977–1984 Aberdeen 183 (55)
1984–1989 Manchester United 160 (33)
1989–1995 Leeds United 197 (37)
1995–1997 Coventry City 26 (0)
Total 635 (138)
International career
1979 Scotland U21 1 (0)
1980–1992 Scotland 50 (5)
Managerial career
1996–2001 Coventry City
2001–2004 Southampton
2005–2009 Celtic
2009–2010 Middlesbrough
2013–2017 Scotland
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Gordon David Strachan OBE (/ˈstræxən/ born 9 February 1957) is a Scottish former football coach and player who is currently Technical Director of Dundee. He played for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as the Scotland national team. He has since managed Coventry City, Southampton, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland.

In club football, Strachan played 635 league games, scoring a total of 138 goals, playing 21 of 25 career seasons in either the English or Scottish top-flight. In international football Strachan earned 50 caps, scoring five goals and played in two FIFA World Cup final tournaments, Spain 82 and Mexico 86. Strachan retired from playing in 1997 at age 40, setting a Premier League record for an outfield player.

A right-sided midfielder, Strachan made his senior debut in 1974 with Dundee before moving on within Scotland, to spend seven seasons at Aberdeen. He first played for the Scotland national team in 1980. While at Aberdeen Strachan won multiple domestic league and cup honours in the early 1980s, as well as the 1982–83 European Cup Winners' Cup and 1983 European Super Cup. Moving to England, Strachan won the 1985 FA Cup final in five seasons with Manchester United. He spent the next seven seasons as club captain at Leeds, winning the 1989–90 Second Division and 1991–92 First Division league titles. He played his last game for Scotland in 1992. He moved to Coventry in 1995 for a final three seasons, as a player-coach.

Strachan became full-time manager of Coventry when the incumbent Ron Atkinson was appointed as director of football. After five years as Coventry manager, he was sacked in 2001 after the club was relegated from the top-flight for the first time in 34 years. He returned to the Premier League as Southampton manager and guided the "Saints" to the 2003 FA Cup final, where they lost 1–0 to Arsenal. Strachan resigned from Southampton in 2004 and took a 16-month break from management. He returned to Scotland to become manager of Celtic, where he achieved three successive league titles and other domestic cup wins. Strachan left Celtic in May 2009 after failing to win a fourth title. He then became manager of Middlesbrough in the English Championship, but left the club after an unsuccessful 12 months in the job. Strachan then managed the Scotland national team for five years, but was unable to secure qualification for a major tournament.

Strachan was named as FWA Footballer of the Year for the 1990–91 season while at Leeds. He was also named Manager of the Year in Scotland several times by writers and players while at Celtic. In 2007, Strachan was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. He is the father of Craig Strachan and Gavin Strachan and the grandfather of Luke Strachan, all of whom were also footballers.

Strachan was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1993 New Year Honours for services to association football.[4]

Club career

Born and raised in Muirhouse, Edinburgh, Strachan supported Hibernian as a boy.[5][6] His father, Jim, worked as a scaffolder, and his mother, Catherine, worked at a whisky distillery.[7] At age 15, he damaged his vision playing football on the school playground when a pen in his pocket became lodged in his right eye; the pen came within "a thousandth of an inch" of permanently costing him the vision in his eye.[8] He was offered a contract by Hibernian manager Eddie Turnbull, but his father decided against the offer after stating the club did not pay sufficient expenses for footwear.[9]

Dundee

Strachan began his career with Dundee, having decided to sign with the Scottish club at age 14.[9] In joining the club, he rejected an approach from Manchester United,[6] reasoning he had a better chance to establish himself in the first team at Dens Park.[9] His natural talent was immediately apparent, and he quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding player in the second team, twice winning the Scottish Reserve Player of the Year Award.[6] He made his mark as an 18-year-old when he outplayed Alan Ball in a friendly with Arsenal in August 1975;[6] The Sunday Post compared him to a young Billy Bremner.[10] Strachan became a regular player in the 1975–76 season, the inaugural season of the Scottish Premier Division, featuring in 17 of the club's 36 league matches;[11] however, David White's "Dee" were relegated on the last day of the season after rivals Dundee United edged ahead on goal average with an unlikely draw with champions Rangers.[12]

New boss Tommy Gemmell handed 19-year-old Strachan the captaincy for the 1976–77 First Division campaign,[13] and he remains the youngest player to have captained Dundee.[6] Strachan considers his performance as captain as very poor. "I was a pathetic Billy Bremner. I wanted to go about bumping into people, growling at people, shouting at people. And I forgot to be a footballer."[14] The club failed to shine in the lower divisions, and Strachan lost his first-team place early in the 1977–78 season following a drinking session with Jimmy Johnstone; Gemmell was also concerned that Strachan was "getting kicked a lot" after opposition teams worked out that the way to stop Dundee was to take out their playmaker.[15] Strachan decided to leave Dundee as the club seemed unlikely to win back their top-flight status; the Dundee chairman was also keen on cashing in his most prized asset, and told Gemmell that "we need £50,000 by Friday or the banks are closing the gate".[6][16] His last match for Dundee was on 26 October 1977 in a 6–0 defeat in the League Cup to Queen of the South at Palmerston Park, which Strachan described in his autobiography as "embarrassing".

Aberdeen

Strachan was signed by Aberdeen manager Billy McNeill in November 1977 for a fee of £50,000 plus Jim Shirra.[16] Poor form and niggling injuries made 1977–78 a poor season for Strachan, though the "Dons" went on to finish second in the Scottish Premier Division. He was not picked for the 1978 Scottish Cup Final defeat to Rangers.[17] Strachan did win the Scottish 2nd XI Cup with the reserves in 1978.[18]

McNeill left the Pittodrie Stadium for Celtic in summer 1978, and Alex Ferguson was appointed as the new manager.[19] Strachan played at Hampden Park in the 1979 League Cup defeat to Rangers, and set up Duncan Davidson for the game's opening goal.[20] Though the 1978–79 campaign was a disappointment, Aberdeen went on to win the league title in 1979–80 after closing a ten-point deficit over Celtic with a late run that included two victories at Celtic Park.[21] They again reached the League Cup Final, beating both Old Firm sides en route, where they lost 3–0 to Dundee United at Dens Park.[22] At the end of the season, Strachan was elected SFWA Footballer of the Year.[6][23] After gaining assurance Alex McLeish would also stay with the club, Strachan signed a new contract to keep him at Pittodrie until 1984.[24]

a red Aberdeen football shirt in a display cabinet
Gordon Strachan's 1983 European Cup Winner's Cup final shirt on display at Spartan FC's HQ at Pilton Edinburgh

The "Reds" could only manage a second-place finish in 1980–81, as Celtic regained the league title. They exited the European Cup in the second round with defeat to eventual champions Liverpool; manager Bob Paisley said Strachan would become "Britain's first £2 million player", in what was a (successful) early attempt at mind games.[25] He missed the second half of the season with a muscle tear in his stomach.[26] With fit-again Strachan on the right flank – supported by full-back Stuart Kennedy – and record signing Peter Weir on the left-flank, Aberdeen mounted a genuine title challenge in 1981–82, but had to settle for second place to Celtic.[27] They did though lift the Scottish Cup with a 4–1 extra-time victory over Rangers, with Strachan contributing one assist and one goal.[28]

The 1982–83 campaign was the greatest in the history of the club, and Strachan made his mark early on with four goals in a 5–1 victory at former club Dundee in the League Cup.[29] Despite only finishing third in the league (albeit only one point behind champions and New Firm rivals Dundee United) and exiting the League Cup in the quarter-finals, Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. The club's European success came with a 2–1 after-extra-time victory over Spanish giants Real Madrid at Ullevi in Gothenburg. The Scottish Cup came with a 1–0 win over Rangers.[30] The "Dons" continued their success by delivering the league title and Scottish Cup in 1983–84, with Strachan setting up Mark McGhee for the winning goal in the cup final win over Celtic.[31] This completed a unique treble, as they defeated Hamburger SV in the 1983 European Super Cup.

Manchester United

In August 1984, Manchester United spent £500,000 to take Strachan to Old Trafford.[32] However, because Strachan had previously signed a pre-contract agreement with Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln, United paid £75,000 compensation to resolve the row – teammate Mark McGhee had also signed a contract with Hamburger SV on the understanding that Strachan would also be playing in Germany.[33] Strachan opened the 1984–85 campaign with four goals in seven matches,[34] though the "Red Devils" could only manage a fourth-place finish in the First Division. He featured at Wembley Stadium in the 1985 FA Cup Final, as United ran out 1–0 winners over Everton; his lung-bursting run off-the-ball helped Norman Whiteside to find the space for his extra-time winner.[35]

After winning their opening ten league matches of the 1985–86 season, United had to cope without Strachan, who was sidelined for much of the season with injury.[36] They proved unable to cope with their injuries – another key player facing extended time in the treatment room was Bryan Robson – and limped to another fourth-place finish.[36] Atkinson was replaced by Alex Ferguson in November 1986, and Strachan mocked sobbing as he told his teammates, "I never thought he'd follow me this far south!"[37] After his arrival, Ferguson speculated that no longer being the star player had negatively affected Strachan's form.[38] United finished a disappointing 11th in 1986–87, before rising to second place in 1987–88. Strachan's form was again patchy in 1988–89, as United slipped back down to 11th.[39]

Leeds United

In March 1989, Sheffield Wednesday manager Ron Atkinson had a bid of £200,000 accepted by Manchester United, and he offered Strachan a contract paying more money than anyone in the club's history.[40] However likely a move to Sheffield seemed, Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson matched the offer and convinced Strachan to drop down into the Second Division.[41] He quickly became a popular figure at Elland Road, earning comparisons to former favourites Bobby Collins and Johnny Giles.[42] Signing a two-year contract, he was awarded with the captain's armband.[43] He formed an unlikely midfield partnership with Vinnie Jones and led the club to the Second Division title in 1989–90.[44]

With the "Whites" now in the First Division, Wilkinson secured a midfield quartet of Strachan, Gary McAllister, David Batty and Gary Speed.[45] They achieved a commendable fourth-place finish in 1990–91, and also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.[45] Strachan was voted FWA Footballer of the Year for his performances during the campaign, becoming the first player to win the award both in Scotland and in England.[45]

Strachan signed a new two-year contract, before captaining Leeds to the league title in 1991–92.[46] In so doing, he denied former boss Alex Ferguson and Leeds' hated rivals Manchester United the title.[47] However, Strachan (now nearing age 35) was beginning to feel the effects of his sciatica and missed a number of matches due to his bad back.[48] Following the club's success, Strachan was appointed an OBE for his services to sport.[49]

However, Leeds were unable to build on their success, and finished the 1992–93 season down in 17th place in what was newly re-branded as the Premier League.[50] Strachan continued to impress though, and was given the club's Player of the Year award.[50] He scored a hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers on 10 April 1993.[51] This was his second hat-trick for Leeds, the first having come in September 1989 when he found the net three times in a 4–0 win over promotion rivals Swindon Town in the Second Division at Elland Road.[52]

Strachan managed 37 starts in 1993–94, and Leeds rose to fifth.[50] He was rarely selected in the 1994–95 season, which would prove to be the end of his spell at Elland Road, where he had spent six years.[53]

Coventry City

In March 1995, Strachan moved to Coventry City to work as assistant manager under new manager Ron Atkinson, the man who had brought him south of the border to Manchester United 11 years earlier. It was also agreed he would replace Atkinson as manager in summer 1997.[54] Strachan coached the team and led training sessions while learning the finer points of management from Atkinson.[55] He also took to the field at Highfield Road, playing 26 Premier League matches for the Sky Blues over the next two years before finally hanging up his boots in his 40th year. Atkinson signed Aberdeen midfielder Eoin Jess in 1996 purely on the basis of Strachan's recommendation.[56] However, Isaías left the club after falling-out with Strachan.[57] Coventry signed Gary McAllister for £3 million on wages of £20,000 per week; the deal was done by McAllister's former teammate and friend Strachan, while Atkinson was largely opposed to the deal.[58] The club struggled at the start of the 1996–97 campaign, and the club's board of directors asked Atkinson to step aside in November 1996, some months earlier than first agreed, and Strachan was appointed manager.[59]

International career

Strachan won his first cap for Scotland on 16 May 1980, in a British Home Championship defeat to Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.[60] Strachan helped Scotland qualify for the 1982 FIFA World Cup and scored a crucial goal in qualifying by scoring the only goal against Sweden at the Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm.[61] He did not feature in the 1982 British Home Championship, as Jock Stein wanted to rest him for the World Cup, held in Spain.[62] The Scots cruised to a 5–2 victory over New Zealand at La Rosaleda Stadium, Málaga; Strachan was named Man of the Match.[63] Scotland then lost 4–1 to a world-class Brazil side at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville.[64] In the third match, a 2–2 draw with the Soviet Union back in Málaga saw Scotland exit the tournament on goal difference.[64]

a metal plaque with black text
A commemorative plaque to Gordon Strachan at Spartan FC clubhouse in Edinburgh, and marking his gift of medals and football shirts to the club.

Scotland also qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. However, shortly after the draw with Wales at Ninian Park on 10 September 1985, Jock Stein died of a heart attack, and his assistant Alex Ferguson took charge for the World Cup campaign.[65] To complete their qualification, they had to beat Australia in a play-off. Strachan played in the first leg at Hampden Park, but did not travel to Melbourne for the second leg.[66] The Scots faced a tough draw in Mexico and lost their opening match 1–0 at the Estadio Neza 86 in the Mexico City suburb of Nezahualcóyotl to the unseeded – but highly fancied – Denmark.[67] Strachan then scored in a 2–1 defeat to West Germany at the Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro; his goal celebration was memorable, as he tried to climb the advertising hoardings, but was thwarted by his short stature and so merely rested his leg on the hoarding before he was joined by his teammates.[68] In the third and final group match back in Nezahualcóyotl, Scotland drew 0–0 with Uruguay despite their opponents going down to ten men after less than a minute of play when José Batista attempted to take Strachan out of the game.[68]

Strachan fell out of the first team picture under Andy Roxburgh, and was omitted from the squad for the 1990 World Cup.[69] Nevertheless, he enjoyed a national team revival between 1990 and 1992, and captained his country in qualification for UEFA Euro 1992.[70] However, he did not travel to Sweden as a member of the squad, as he announced his retirement due to long-term back troubles.[71] He won 50 full caps, and scored five international goals.

Managerial career

Coventry City

When Ron Atkinson became Coventry City's director of football in November 1996, Strachan was promoted to a player manager position. He appointed Alex Miller as his assistant.[72] After an upturn in results, Strachan was named Manager of the Month in December.[73] However, 1 win in 12 matches in the New Year left the "Sky Blues" in the relegation zone. Late wins over Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur saved their season though, and relegation was avoided by a one-point margin. Strachan played in the win over Chelsea at Highfield Road at age 40, in what was at the time a record age for an outfield player in the Premier League.[citation needed]

Strachan signed Swedish goalkeeper Magnus Hedman and defender Roland Nilsson, Dutch midfielder George Boateng, and Romanian striker Viorel Moldovan – all of whom would win international caps.[74] Coventry rose to 11th place in 1997–98, and also reached the quarter-finals of the 1997–98 FA Cup.[74] After Miller left the club, Strachan replaced him with Garry Pendrey, who would go on to spend many years as his assistant at various clubs.[75] Strachan was again named Manager of the Month in February 1998.[citation needed]

The club finished 15th in 1998–99 and 14th in 1999–2000, as Strachan spent £6 million on Irish striker Robbie Keane and £5 million on Moroccans Mustapha Hadji and Youssef Chippo, while selling Dion Dublin to Midlands rivals Aston Villa.[76] Coventry were relegated at the end of the 2000–01 season, making Strachan unpopular with fans.[77] New signing Craig Bellamy proved disappointing, while Robbie Keane was sold and Gary McAllister departed for Liverpool.[78] Strachan attempted to launch a promotion campaign by signing striker Lee Hughes, but in the face of increasing supporter unrest, he was sacked five matches into the 2001–02 First Division campaign.[79] His replacement, Roland Nilsson, took the club to an 11th-place finish.[citation needed]

Southampton

Strachan returned to management within weeks, taking the manager's job at Premier League Southampton, who had sacked manager Stuart Gray after a terrible start to their first season at the new St Mary's Stadium. Most pundits had already written off their survival chances by the time of Strachan's appointment in October 2001, but he turned round their fortunes and they finished 11th in the Premier League. The Saints progressed further in 2002–03 when they finished eighth and reached the FA Cup Final, where they lost 1–0 to Arsenal. As Arsenal had already qualified for the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League, Southampton won a place in the UEFA Cup.[80]

In February 2004, Strachan announced his resignation as Southampton manager after his decision not to stay on at the club in the summer was leaked to the press.[81] He wanted to take a break from football, but was forced to resign earlier than initially intended due to the speculation surrounding his and the club's future following the leak.[82]

Celtic

After a 16-month break, Strachan returned to management on 1 June 2005, when he succeeded Martin O'Neill as manager of Celtic in the Scottish Premier League (SPL). For 2005–06, his stated aim was to regain the SPL title from rivals Rangers. He had an embarrassing start to his campaign as Celtic manager, losing 5–0 to Slovakian champions Artmedia Bratislava on 27 July 2005 and three days later, drawing 4–4 with Motherwell in his first SPL match in charge of the Glasgow club. The loss against Artmedia meant Celtic suffered an early exit from European competition, despite winning the return match 4–0. After this disastrous start, Celtic started to improve under Strachan. A low-point was the shock defeat in the third round of the Scottish Cup to First Division Clyde on 8 January 2006. However, the following month his team made history when they defeated Dunfermline Athletic 8–1, a record victory margin for the SPL at the time. Strachan's first season was ultimately successful as he coached Celtic to victory in the League Cup and, on 5 April 2006, his side clinched the SPL title in record time and with six matches remaining. Reflecting this achievement, Strachan was voted Manager of the Year by the Scottish Football Writers' Association eight days later.[83]

Strachan ahead of Celtic's Champions League qualifier against Spartak Moscow, August 2007

The following year, Strachan restructured the team and made a series of signings, bringing in players such as Hibernian's Derek Riordan; Chelsea's Jiří Jarošík; Kenny Miller and Lee Naylor from Wolverhampton Wanderers; Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink from PSV; Thomas Gravesen from Real Madrid; and Paul Hartley and Steven Pressley from Hearts. Celtic flourished and by mid-January 2007 held a 17-point lead in the SPL table. UEFA Champions League football again returned to Celtic Park, the team having automatically qualified for the group stages and drawn alongside Benfica, Copenhagen and Manchester United. Home victories against all three Group F members saw the team progress to the round of 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the competition was re-formatted in 1993. Celtic lost their round of 16 tie against eventual winners Milan in extra time, missing out on a place in the quarter-finals. On 22 April 2007, Strachan guided Celtic to their 41st league championship, and second in succession. A 2–1 victory against Kilmarnock[84] left Celtic 13 points clear of Rangers with four matches remaining. Later that day, Strachan was recognised as the inaugural PFA Scotland Manager of the Year for 2007. Celtic went on to win the Scottish Cup, beating Dunfermline Athletic.[citation needed]

In the 2007–08 season, Strachan led Celtic into the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League again after defeating Milan, Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk. By April, there was significant criticism from the press and the fans after a 1–0 loss to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and a 1–0 loss to ten-man Motherwell in the SPL. However, after defeating Rangers twice at home, on 22 May 2008 Strachan became only the third ever Celtic manager to guide the club to three consecutive Scottish league titles.[citation needed]

In the 2008–09 season, after winning the League Cup after extra time against Rangers, but failing to lead Celtic to another league title, he resigned as manager on 25 May 2009.[85][86]

Middlesbrough

Strachan signed a four-year contract with English Championship team Middlesbrough on 26 October 2009, succeeding Gareth Southgate.[87][88] He had been linked with the Middlesbrough manager's job 15 years earlier, when still a Leeds United player.[89] His first match in charge was on 31 October, a 1–0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, with Adam Johnson missing a penalty.[90] On 5 December, Middlesbrough won their first match under Strachan, 5–1 away to Queens Park Rangers.[91] After a poor run of results, including a 3–0 loss at home to Blackpool and a 1–0 loss at home to Cardiff City, Strachan earned his first home win after his team beat Scunthorpe United 3–0.[92]

After a poor start to the 2010–11 season meant Middlesbrough were in 20th place,[93] Strachan left the club by mutual consent on 18 October.[94] He voluntarily ended his contract and left without compensation.[93]

Scotland

Strachan was appointed manager of the Scotland national team on 15 January 2013, succeeding Craig Levein.[95] His first match in charge was at Pittodrie Stadium in a friendly match against Estonia on 6 February. The game ended 1–0 to Scotland, with Charlie Mulgrew getting his first international goal. Scotland suffered defeats to Wales and Serbia in Strachan's first two competitive matches, which ended the Scots' slim chances of qualification for the 2014 World Cup.[96] After this, Scotland had an upturn in form, winning both matches against Croatia[96] and away against Macedonia. Scotland finished fourth in qualifying Group A.

In Euro 2016 qualifying, Scotland appeared to have a better chance of qualification as the finals tournament was expanded from 16 teams to 24, but were drawn in a tough group with Germany, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.[96] After losing their opening match in Germany, Scotland recorded home wins against Georgia, Ireland and Gibraltar, and away draws against Poland and Ireland.[96] In their following match, Scotland produced an "insipid" performance, as they lost 1–0 in Georgia.[96] A home defeat by Germany left Scotland four points behind third-placed Ireland, with two matches to play.[96] In the penultimate matches of the group, Scotland needed to beat Poland, or hope that Ireland would lose to Germany.[96] Scotland came from behind to lead 2–1 in their match, but Ireland had scored the only goal of their match, leaving the Scots needing a win to stay alive.[96] A late scrambled goal by Robert Lewandowski gave Poland a draw that eliminated Scotland from contention.[96] Strachan bemoaned what he perceived to be bad luck.[96] After a win against Gibraltar in the last qualifier, Strachan agreed to a new contract with the Scottish Football Association.[97] After failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Strachan resigned from his position on 12 October 2017.[98]

Management style

Typically playing a traditional 4–4–2 formation,[99][100][101] and very occasionally 4–5–1,[99][102] Strachan is widely known for his rigorous management style,[103][better source needed] and states that he watches video replays of his club's matches two or sometimes three times.[104] He also places great emphasis on player health and fitness, forbidding his players to drink alcohol excessively or regularly, and often giving dietary advice to his players, attributing his own longevity as a player to a strict and somewhat unusual diet involving seaweed.[105][106] Players such as Scotland international Gary Caldwell have attributed their success at Celtic to lifestyle changes enforced by Strachan.[107]

Renowned for his deadpan humour in media interviews, quotes attributed to Strachan have become part of popular football culture.[108][109]

Enmity with Alex Ferguson

Despite playing for Alex Ferguson at two clubs, the pair had an ongoing public feud during Strachan's managerial career. In his 1999 autobiography, the former Manchester United manager said, "I decided this man could not be trusted an inch – I would not want to expose my back to him in a hurry." In his own 2006 autobiography, in response to Ferguson's comments, Strachan said he was "surprised and disappointed".[110] The rivalry dates from Strachan's time playing under Ferguson, first at Aberdeen and later Manchester United.[111] In August 2006, after his Celtic team was drawn to play Ferguson's Manchester United in the Champions League, Strachan said that there was no longer any enmity between the two managers.[112]

Other work

Strachan has analysed football matches for the media, including alongside Adrian Chiles on BBC Sport's Match of the Day 2.[113] He has worked as a regular pundit for ITV's coverage of the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. During the 2014 World Cup, he worked as a pundit for ITV.[114] In April 2019, Strachan apologised for remarks he made during The Debate on Sky Sports.[115] Following the release of convicted sex offender Adam Johnson from prison, Strachan had appeared to suggest that abusing Johnson for that offence was comparable with racial abuse.[115]

For the 2006 World Cup, Strachan was appointed as the official FIFA Ambassador for Scotland, joining 50 others in fundraising for SOS Children's Villages, the official charity of the tournament.[116]

Strachan and his two sons started their own football school in the Coventry area in August 2009.[117]

In July 2019, Strachan was appointed to a technical director position with Dundee.[118]

Personal life

Strachan married Lesley Scott in 1977; George Mackie was his best man.[119] Together, they had three children: Craig and Gavin Strachan, also footballers,[117] and Gemma Strachan.[120] Strachan's grandson, Luke, is also a footballer and came through the youth setup with Dundee whilst Gordon was technical director at the club.[121]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[122]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Dundee[123] 1973–74 First Division 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
1974–75 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
1975–76 Premier Division 23 6 1 0 6 0 0 0 30 6
1976–77 First Division 36 7 6 1 0 0 0 0 42 8
1977–78 9 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 14 1
Total 69 13 7 1 13 1 0 0 89 15
Aberdeen 1977–78 Premier Division 12 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 16 1
1978–79 31 5 4 0 8 0 3 1 46 6
1979–80 33 10 5 1 11 4 2 0 51 15
1980–81 20 6 0 0 6 3 4 0 30 9
1981–82 30 7 6 4 8 6 6 3 50 20
1982–83 32 12 3 0 7 7 10 1 52 20
1983–84 25 13 7 2 6 0 9 3 47 18
Total 183 54 29 7 46 20 34 8 292 89
Manchester United 1984–85 First Division 41 15 7 2 2 0 6 2 56 19
1985–86 28 5 5 0 1 0 0 0 34 5
1986–87 34 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 38 4
1987–88 36 8 3 0 5 1 0 0 44 9
1988–89 21 1 6 0 3 0 0 0 30 1
Total 160 33 23 2 13 1 6 2 202 38
Leeds United 1988–89 Second Division 11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 3
1989–90 46 16 1 0 2 1 0 0 49 17
1990–91 First Division 34 7 6 1 7 1 0 0 47 9
1991–92 36 4 0 0 4 1 0 0 40 5
1992–93 Premier League 31 4 4 0 3 1 5 1 43 6
1993–94 33 3 3 1 2 0 0 0 38 4
1994–95 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
Total 197 37 14 2 19 4 5 1 235 44
Coventry City 1994–95 Premier League 5 0 — — — 5 0
1995–96 12 0 2 0 3 0 — 17 0
1996–97 9 0 1 0 1 0 — 11 0
Total 26 0 3 0 4 0 — 33 0
Career total 635 137 76 12 95 26 45 11 851 186
  1. ^ Includes Scottish Cup, FA Cup.
  2. ^ Includes Scottish League Cup, EFL Cup.

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[124]
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland 1980 7 1
1981 2 0
1982 8 0
1983 9 1
1984 2 0
1985 5 0
1986 6 2
1987 2 0
1989 2 0
1991 5 1
1992 2 0
Total 50 5

International goals

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Strachan goal.
List of international goals scored by Gordon Strachan[124]
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 September 1980 Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden 6  Sweden 1–0 1–0 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 12 June 1983 Empire Stadium, Vancouver, Canada 22  Canada 1–0 2–0 Friendly
3 26 March 1986 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland 34  Romania 1–0 3–0 Friendly
4 8 June 1986 Estadio La Corregidora, Queretaro, Mexico 36  West Germany 1–0 1–2 1986 FIFA World Cup
5 1 May 1991 Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino 46  San Marino 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying

Managerial record

As of 8 October 2017 (competitive club matches and all international matches)
Team From To Record
G W D L Win %
Coventry City 5 November 1996 10 September 2001 215 70 56 89 032.56
Southampton 22 October 2001 13 February 2004 110 39 32 39 035.45
Celtic 1 June 2005 25 May 2009 182 122 28 32 067.03
Middlesbrough 26 October 2009 18 October 2010 46 13 13 20 028.26
Scotland 15 January 2013 12 October 2017 40 19 9 12 047.50
Total 593 263 138 192 044.35

Honours

Player

Aberdeen

Manchester United

Leeds United

Scotland

Individual

Manager

Celtic

Individual

See also

References

Specific

  1. ^ "Gordon Strachan". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  2. ^ "Gordon Strachan: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  3. ^ "Gordon Strachan: Overview". Premier League. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  4. ^ "No. 53153". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 1992. p. 12.
  5. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 7
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "Dark blue to dark blue". Dundee FC. 18 December 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  7. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 8
  8. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 6
  9. ^ a b c Moynihan 2004, p. 17
  10. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 25
  11. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 26
  12. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 27
  13. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 28
  14. ^ Football's Greatest: Gordon Strachan - Fergie's petrol was anger. 6:08 minutes in. Retrieved 1 May 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  15. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 31
  16. ^ a b Moynihan 2004, p. 33
  17. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 41
  18. ^ "Rangers 0 - 0 Aberdeen: Scottish Second XI Cup Final Second Leg". AFC Heritage. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  19. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 44
  20. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 47
  21. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 52
  22. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 48
  23. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 56
  24. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 57
  25. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 58
  26. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 59
  27. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 61
  28. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 63
  29. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 65
  30. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 67
  31. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 70
  32. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 99
  33. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 100
  34. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 104
  35. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 109
  36. ^ a b Moynihan 2004, p. 112
  37. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 124
  38. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 125
  39. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 127
  40. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 163
  41. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 165
  42. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 167
  43. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 168
  44. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 169
  45. ^ a b c Moynihan 2004, p. 177
  46. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 180
  47. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 181
  48. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 182
  49. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 197
  50. ^ a b c Moynihan 2004, p. 202
  51. ^ Edworthy, Niall (11 April 1993). "Strachan inspires". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  52. ^ "Hat-Trick Heroes". Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  53. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 204
  54. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 206
  55. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 208
  56. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 211
  57. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 212
  58. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 214
  59. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 215
  60. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 134
  61. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 135
  62. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 136
  63. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 137
  64. ^ a b Moynihan 2004, p. 138
  65. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 141
  66. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 142
  67. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 143
  68. ^ a b Moynihan 2004, p. 144
  69. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 148
  70. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 149
  71. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 150
  72. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 217
  73. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 218
  74. ^ a b Moynihan 2004, p. 222
  75. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 223
  76. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 227
  77. ^ "Strachan family put off by abuse". BBC Sport. 23 January 2001. Archived from the original on 27 December 2007. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  78. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 228
  79. ^ "First Division Round-up: Strachan feels fans' fury". The Daily Telegraph. London. 18 September 2001. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  80. ^ UEFA.com. "Southampton | History | UEFA Europa League". UEFA.com. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  81. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 2
  82. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 4
  83. ^ "Strachan is writers' boss of year". BBC Sport. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 26 December 2007. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  84. ^ Colin Moffat, Kilmarnock 1–2 Celtic Archived 5 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine, BBC Sport, 22 April 2007
  85. ^ Strachan quits as manager[permanent dead link‍] The Herald, 25 May 2009
  86. ^ "Strachan resigns as Celtic boss". BBC Sport. 25 May 2009. Archived from the original on 26 May 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  87. ^ "Gordon Strachan confirmed as Middlesbrough's new manager". The Guardian. London: Guardian News and Media. 26 October 2009. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  88. ^ "Strachan named Middlesbrough boss". BBC Sport. 26 October 2009. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  89. ^ Shaw, Phil (3 May 1994). "Football: Lawrence leaves Middlesbrough". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  90. ^ "Middlesbrough 0–1 Plymouth". BBC Sport. 31 October 2009. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2009.
  91. ^ "QPR 1–5 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 5 December 2009. Archived from the original on 28 January 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
  92. ^ "Gordon Strachan resigns as manager of Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 18 October 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2010.
  93. ^ a b "Gordon Strachan exits Middlesbrough after poor start to season". The Guardian. London. 18 October 2010.
  94. ^ "Gordon Strachan Leaves Boro". Middlesbrough FC. 18 October 2010. Archived from the original on 21 October 2010.
  95. ^ McLaughlin, Chris (15 January 2013). "Gordon Strachan confirmed as Scotland coach". BBC Sport. BBC. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  96. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Burke, Andy (16 October 2015). "A bumpy ride: Gordon Strachan and Scotland". BBC Sport. BBC. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  97. ^ "Gordon Strachan: Scotland boss signs new two-year contract". BBC Sport. BBC. 16 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  98. ^ "Scotland: Gordon Strachan leaves his position as national manager". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 October 2017. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  99. ^ a b Aiden McGeady takes centre stage to spur on Celtic with stirring performance[dead link‍] Times Online, 8 November 2007
  100. ^ Old Firm set for grand finale Archived 2 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine BBC Sport, 28 March 2008
  101. ^ Getting personnel as Lenny's hard sell continues to get men to fit new tactics Archived 5 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine Evening Times, 2 July 2010
  102. ^ Scott MacDonald leads Celtic's smash-and-grab[dead link‍] Times Online, 27 December 2008
  103. ^ "Strachan wrecks Boro players' holiday plans with end of season training camp". Daily Mirror. 23 April 2010. Archived from the original on 28 April 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  104. ^ "Keep the faith". Archived from the original on 26 June 2007. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
  105. ^ The top ten football pre-match meals Archived 15 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Times Online, 9 August 2009
  106. ^ Model pro Speed notches up 500 Archived 30 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine London Evening Standard, 8 December 2006
  107. ^ Gibbons, Glenn (17 October 2006). "Lifestyle change crucial to Caldwell's progress". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  108. ^ "Gordon Strachan – One of football's colourful characters". Boreme.com. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  109. ^ Finkelstein, Daniel (23 January 2008). "Top ten Gordon Strachan ripostes". Times Online. Archived from the original on 9 July 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  110. ^ Austin, Simon (12 September 2006). "Fergie v Strachan". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  111. ^ Shaw, Phil (14 May 2003). "Strachan the maverick with a rich streak of pragmatism". The Independent. London. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
  112. ^ Murray, Ewan (26 August 2006). "Strachan denies Ferguson rift". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  113. ^ "Premiership back on the BBC". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 July 2004. Archived from the original on 11 February 2009. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  114. ^ Nakrani, Sachin (17 June 2014). "World Cup 2014: ITV takes on BBC in battle of the pundits in Brazil". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  115. ^ a b "Gordon Strachan apologises over Adam Johnson comments". BBC Sport. 7 April 2019. Archived from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  116. ^ "Gordon Strachan and Celtic FC join SOS Children". SOS Children's Villages. 1 December 2005. Archived from the original on 19 March 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  117. ^ a b Phelan, Tom (11 August 2009). "Soccer with the Strachans". BBC. Archived from the original on 22 November 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  118. ^ "Gordon Strachan: Dundee appoint former Scotland boss as technical director". BBC Sport. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  119. ^ Moynihan 2004, p. 32
  120. ^ Gilbert, Simon (14 December 2016). "Gordon Strachan: 'I had to move Noel Whelan into my house to stop him going to jail'". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  121. ^ Thomson, Jack (20 July 2019). "Gordon Strachan's grandson in Dundee squad as teenager nears family tree moment". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  122. ^ Single source here, if player is inactive. If player has not retired, move source next to "Updated" template.
  123. ^ "Gordon Strachan | Player Statistics | Dundee (Dee Archive)". deearchive.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  124. ^ a b Gordon Strachan at the Scottish Football Association
  125. ^ "Match Report: Drybrough Cup Final". AFC Heritage. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  126. ^ "European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or) 1983". RSSSF. 26 March 2005. Archived from the original on 11 June 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  127. ^ "Manager profile: Gordon Strachan". Premier League. Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2018.

General

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gordon Strachan.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Gordon Strachan.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gordon_Strachan&oldid=1256813329"