Source: Daily_Mail
Gordon's in! Boro to unveil Strachan - ex-Celtic boss replaces Southgate
Middlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of Gordon Strachan as their new manager on a four-year contract.[LNB]The former Celtic boss, 52, succeeds Gareth Southgate, who was sacked last week despite Boro being just one point off the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.[LNB]The Scot was being unveiled at a press conference at the Riverside today.[LNB] Boro boss: New Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan poses for the media as he arrives at the Riverside Stadium[LNB] Sportsmail revealed last week that Strachan had been lined up in the wake of Southgate's departure.[LNB]GORDON STRACHAN FACTFILEStrachan began his managerial career at Coventry before moving on toSouthampton, who he led to the FA Cup final in 2003. [LNB]Axed: Gareth Southgate[LNB]The former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds midfielder tookcharge at Celtic in May 2005 and after a nightmare start, when the teamlost a Champions League qualifier 5-0 to Slovakian minnows ArtmediaBratislava, he led the team to three successive Scottish Premier Leaguetitles. [LNB]Southgate's dismissal came as a shock to those outside the club,with Boro chairman Steve Gibson renowned for giving his managers timeto get things right. [LNB]The former England defender could not prevent the club sliding outof the Premier League last season, and Gibson revealed it was his fearthat Boro would not bounce back at the first attempt which led him tosack Southgate. [LNB]Gibson last week told Middlesbrough's website: 'When I sat downand considered our start to the season, I felt that the league tablewas actually more favourable than some of our performances. [LNB]'Then I looked at the important games against the teams immediately around us, and took those results into account. [LNB] Star man: Boro's Adam Johnson (centre) battles Billy Jones during the 2-2 draw with Preston[LNB]'In general the results and the performances have not been to the level I would have hoped for.'[LNB]The team were led on a temporary basis by Colin Cooper at theweekend and drew 2-2 at Preston. They are now three points behindChampionship leaders and north-east rivals Newcastle and chief executive Keith Lamb is predicting a bright Boro future under Strachan.[LNB]He told the club's official website: 'We're delighted that Gordon has agreed to join us as our new manager. For a club like ours, with a wealth of talented young footballers, whose careers are ahead of them, Gordon will be invaluable in ensuring they get every last ounce out of their potential. [LNB] New era: Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan arrives for his unveiling at the Championship club[LNB]'That can only be a good thing for the players themselves and for Middlesbrough Football Club. [LNB]'By his own admission, Gordon is predominantly a coach who is also a manager, rather than a manager who also coaches. He is very much a tracksuit manager in that the training ground is where he is most comfortable. [LNB]'He is a character and I think everybody, from the chairman down over, will enjoy working with him. Certainly I doubt there'll be many dull days at the football club!'[LNB] Gordon Strachan factfile: The career highs and lows of Middlesbrough's new managerPreston 2 Middlesbrough 2: Gord help us! Strachan must put an end to late gaffes, says Adam JohnsonEverton boss Moyes runs the rule over Middlesbrough's wanted man JohnsonEXCLUSIVE: Gareth Southgate on the day his little boy was running round the playground shouting: 'Daddy's been sacked'Southgate was the reason I joined Middlesbrough, admits Sean St LedgerMIDDLESBROUGH FC
