Source: Daily_Mail
NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gordon's in, so Boro must back him with cash
Northern Exposure - The Daily Mail's North-East football reporter, Colin Young (right), provides expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insight into the affairs of a footballing heartland - at the moment the area is temporarily known as 'the relegation region'. Don't miss it , every week.[LNB] Like the new headmaster aiming to stamp his authority on his pupils on the first day of term, so Gordon Strachan has made his mark on Middlesbrough already.[LNB]Strachan and his assistant Garry Pendery have called their new players back for training on Tuesday afternoon, and so after the morning's loosener, the Boro squad will be back on the training ground looking to impress the new boss.[LNB]The insinuation is that Strachan does not believe his new charges are fit enough. The late goals in games conceded so far, which has cost them seven points and top spot, suggests he may have a point.[LNB] In the spotlight: Gordon Strachan is greeted at the Riverside by a media frenzy[LNB]But as well as assessing the fitness of the squad he has inherited from Gareth Southgate, Strachan will be using the reminder of this week as a simple get-to-know you exercise.[LNB]Strachan revealed he took in Boro's draw at Coventry with his grandson in September, looking on as another two points slipped from their grasp thanks to Leon Best's last minute equaliser.[LNB] More from Colin Young... NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gareth Southgate crowded out at Middlesbrough as Gordon Strachan emerges as the wanted man to lead promotion charge21/10/09 Northern Exposure: Newcastle fans want promotion far more than they want Alan Shearer in or Mike Ashley out 20/10/09 COLIN YOUNG: Ireland persist with Ireland when Reid could replace Reid06/10/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Ian Harte fears the worst for return to Leeds 29/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Bruce must win Cup to convince Sunderland fans22/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gareth Southgate can take this chance to bounce Boro back to the big time17/09/09 Blackburn midfielder Keith Andrews glad to silence the doubters at Ewood Park02/09/09 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Steve Bruce's Sunderland jigsaw takes shape02/09/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE But the majority of his squad are relative strangers to him, not least the large number of talented youngsters who have followed the lead of Stewart Downing to make the transition from Academy to first team.[LNB]Adam Johnson in particular has had no choice but to emerge from Downing's shadow as he has waited two seasons for the opportunity to show his potential in his preferred position once the property of the England winger, who is now on the verge of a return with Aston Villa. [LNB]The list of players Strachan came armed with for his first press conference at the Riverside Stadium suggests he has plans in place to bring in cover for every position if necessary.[LNB]Of course with the Boro budget stretched already, and attendances continuing to fall, any re-building will have to be selective and achieved through loan signings.[LNB]And although there is no confirmation that the names he inadvertently showed off as he emerged in the stadium car park was an official shopping list, the names still make interesting reading. [LNB]With Caleb Folan and Jeremie Aliadiere out for lengthy spells, an additional striker is the priority and Strachan clearly needs a proven goalscorer to assist Leroy Lita (two goals in 15 games) and Marvin Emnes (one goal in 14). [LNB]The only other fit alternative is teenager Jonathan Franks who has yet to net from his six substitute appearances.[LNB]Kevin Phillips and Chris Iwelumo have proven records at this level and they have not been playing regularly so far this season.[LNB] Make a move: Kevin Phillips and Chris Iwelumo (R) would be perfect for Strachan[LNB]Phillips, who has turned down several chances to return to the North East, may have accepted the role of super-sub already and, at the age of 36, be content with that. If he fancies a new challenge away from the Midlands, Boro would be perfect for him. And after scoring the goals to help secure promotion for West Brom and Birmingham in the last two years, he would be perfect for Boro.[LNB] Good Gord! New Middlesbrough boss Strachan reveals nine transfer targets as fans spy his 'secret' shopping listGordon's in! Boro to unveil Strachan - ex-Celtic boss replaces SouthgateWigan boss Martinez sends scouts to check out Middlesbrough's JohnsonGordon Strachan factfile: The career highs and lows of Middlesbrough's new manager Although Wolves and Scotland striker Iwelumo has had his first Barclays Premier League season interrupted by injury, and he only made his first appearance at the weekend, he will find his path to regular top flight football blocked by Kevin Doyle, Andy Keogh and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.[LNB]The 31-year-old has had an astonishing 10 clubs in as many years, even allowing for loan spells, and scored just 89 goals in more than 300 league games, but he has a presence and experience which will be invaluable. [LNB]Manchester United's Italian striker Federico Macheda would be more of a risk, but there is no doubting the promise of the 18-year-old who made such an impact in United's successful title chase last season. He would certainly add something.[LNB] Mach of the day: A loan move for the United youngster would be a risk but there's no doubting what promise a signing like Federico Macheda would bring to Boro[LNB]As will Gordon Strachan. He won three Scottish titles but that was Scotland and he knows that record is irrelevant when he starts his Boro reign with Plymouth's visit to the Riverside on Saturday.[LNB]The former Celtic manager was quite reserved in his first meeting with the North East media. He got a little spikey when one television interview started to venture into obvious/daft question territory but, perhaps aware this was running live in living rooms, newsrooms and bar rooms across the country, he bit his tongue.[LNB]No doubt when the cameras are off and he can be more like himself, we will see and hear some of that legendary Strachan wit. He really will be a breath of fresh air, it's just not everyone will find him to their taste.[LNB]Not that it will bother Strachan. Joe Kinnear may have infamously arrived with preconceived ideas about the pack who cover football in this region, but after four years at Celtic, and the private intrusion that job brings, the Scot won't be bothered by us and he has survived anything we'll throw at him. He won't be immune to any criticism, he will just expect it to be fair and well-informed.[LNB]In for a treat: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes Gordon Strachan is the right man for the Boro job[LNB]Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, a former team-mate, has settled in well up here and his press conferences have been frank, entertaining and honest. It's how Sunderland fans like their managers.[LNB]Interesting times ahead, he reckons. `I've known him for a long, long time,' he said at his latest media briefing, which was attended by just a handful of reporters, as the rest of us waited patiently for the new Boro boss's unveiling down the road at the Riverside. [LNB]'He's the first person who took me a for a beer when I went to Manchester United. You guys are going to be in for a treat. There's going to be fun and games I would have thought.[LNB]'Over the years he has proved to be a very good manager. [LNB]'He's always done well wherever he's gone and I welcome him to the North East and hope it will go well for him.[LNB]'I sincerely hope Middlesbrough and Newcastle get promoted. The North East is better with all three in the Premier League.'[LNB]While analysing the Southgate years, Steve Gibson has been eager to point out that attendances at the Riverside have been slipping for years, although the fall to new league record lows is the sorry confirmation that too many people have fallen out of love with the club, and their former manager.[LNB] Strachan's arrival officially ends the Southgate Era and it is a shame that the former Boro captain could not maintain his popularity and support among the supporters.[LNB]My bet is he will be back, stronger and better for this experience, and without the emotional tie to any new club, he will thrive in a different environment. His record may show a relegation against his name but he tries to run a football team the right way and he deserves a fresh opportunity.[LNB]As for the Boro fans, the onus is now on them to return and show their support, not just for their team and their town, but their chairman and his choice of manager.[LNB] Good Gord! New Middlesbrough boss Strachan reveals nine transfer targets as fans spy his 'secret' shopping listGordon's in! Boro to unveil Strachan - ex-Celtic boss replaces SouthgateWigan boss Martinez sends scouts to check out Middlesbrough's JohnsonGordon Strachan factfile: The career highs and lows of Middlesbrough's new manager [LNB] Explore more:People:Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Steve Bruce, Federico Macheda, Andy Keogh, Stewart Downing, Leroy Lita, Leon Best, Adam Johnson, Gareth Southgate, Kevin Phillips, Gordon Strachan, Kevin DoylePlaces:Newcastle, Birmingham, Scotland, United Kingdom
