Strachan - A Celtic Legend​

As the curtain falls on Gordon Strachan’s tenure as Celtic manager, it is only fair to look back on his achievements and perceived failings with a sense of perspective.

Strachan joined Celtic four years ago, almost to the day. His career as Celtic manager got off to the worst possible start in Bratislava – a 5-0 defeat to an Artmedia team that beggared belief, and put him under immense pressure. The concession of four second half goals all but ended any hopes of further involvement in European Competition that season, but Strachan bounced back – winning a League and Cup double ensured that he was named as Scotland’s Sportswriter manager of the year.

This resurgence after such a horrendous start was testament to Strachan’s inner strength and determination. Nonetheless, many fans still resented his presence; especially in light of his predecessor, fan favourite Martin O’Neill.

Strachan’s second season in charge brought with it some high-profile signings – Jiri Jarosik, Roy Keane and Thomas Gravesen in particular were all viewed as purchasing blunders after they failed to make the impact that was expected. Significantly, however, I have yet to meet one Celtic fan who was upset when any of the three players mentioned above were purchased.

Keane - realised a childhood dream.​

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but the gaffer’s perceived failings when he dipped into the transfer market placed unnecessary pressure on his shoulders. Once again, Strachan fought back, and it was this second season in charge when he succeeded in achieving something his predecessor never had – reaching the last-16 of the Champion’s League for the first time in Celtic’s history.

That run in the tournament brought with it memories I shall never forget – victory over a Manchester United team in the most enthralling of fashions, courtesy of Shunsuke Nakamura’s technical brilliance, being the most notable. Extra-time elimination at the hands of the tournament’s eventual winners, AC Milan, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Nevertheless, Celtic fans throughout the world held their heads high that year; a year when Strachan and his men once again completed a League and Cup double, with Strachan the inevitable recipient of the top managerial gongs for a second consecutive season.

At that stage, even the most stringent of doubters – bar a hardcore minority – began to realise the value of Strachan. Last season was always guaranteed to provide a harder challenge domestically. Thankfully, the signing of plucky Australian Scott McDonald proved pivotal. McDonald rifled in 25 league goals during the season, as Celtic defeated a beleaguered Rangers outfit on the last day of the SPL calendar.

McDonald - An inspired signing.​

At that stage, it was clear to see that the gap at the top of the table had narrowed. The sale of Gers stars Alan Hutton and Carlos Cuellar for a combined sixteen million helped Celtic’s arch-rivals strengthen, at a time when the Bhoys’ period of financial prudence continued. Elimination from European competition – following an unfathomable defeat to Aalborg in Denmark – again placed Strachan in the firing line. Nonetheless, his charges continued a rich vein of form domestically and opened up a 7 point gap at the top of the League.

The events of 2009 are well-documented. Celtic’s inability to string together successive victories saw them pipped at the SPL post at the tail-end of the season. During this time, Strachan was pilloried by fans and the media alike as frustrations grew. Put simply, we saw our season falling apart at the seams. In the end, had Celtic WON the League, Strachan would still have announced his resignation. Perhaps a lack of adoration from the Celtic faithful was – in the end – his undoing.

However, I for one will remember the good times; the success, both domestically and on the European stage – this while eliminating the club’s debt and leaving us in a position of strength while “wealthier” teams are floundering. I will also remember the signings of Boruc, Nakamura, Brown, McDonald, Hinkel, Caldwell, Hartley and Robson. Perhaps – with the aforementioned hindsight – Strachan’s transfer dealings were not as bad as they were made out.

Brown - Another success story.​

John H Johnson once wrote “I believe the greater the handicap, the greater the triumph.” When I think about the lack of investment, and a lack of love and admiration from the outset, I find myself nodding in complete agreement.

So the search for a new manager begins. A new era for Celtic and their fans which – with any level of good fortune – will see us wrench the title back from Rangers. Gordon Strachan’s replacement will have it tough, of that there is no doubt.

Perhaps, as John Hartson stated today “the fans have got what they wanted.” Alternatively, hindsight will once again prove invaluable. A final word from Gordon Strachan, who deserves that at the very least – along with our heartfelt thanks for his endeavours and sacrifices over the last four years:

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the Club’s manager. I wish Celtic and our supporters nothing but success for the future.”

We should all raise a glass for the success we have enjoyed in the past – with Celtic Legend Gordon Strachan at the helm.

DM.