Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan enjoys the mind games
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gordon Strachan was quick to offer his assessment of the job that Chris Hughton has done in piloting Newcastle United to the brink of promotion.[LNB] Rubbish, reckoned Strachan ahead of tomorrow's Tees-Tyne encounter.[LNB] Undeterred, the North- East radio reporter pressed the point: What do you think of Chris as a manager[LNB] Rubbish, quipped Strachan, whose deadpan humour continues to wrongfoot unsuspecting members of the press.[LNB] Strachan may have been in playful mood, but defeat to their local rivals at the Riverside would, in all probability, end Boro's chances of following titlefavourites Newcastle back to the Premier League.[LNB] Scott McDonald has not been ruled out but Willo Flood and Jeremie Aliadiere are notable absentees as Boro try to close the gap on sixth-placed Cardiff City.[LNB] Securing Boro's return to the top flight was Strachan's remit when Steve Gibson appointed him as Gareth Southgate's successor but the chairman's demands are realistic.[LNB] I don't think I have ever been in a situation when I was told to achieve something at all costs,[LNB] explained Strachan.[LNB] That conjures up images of death, torture and being banished to the Faroe Islands if you fail. I wouldn't take on a job in those circumstances.[LNB] My remit is to get the team back in the Premier League, the quicker the better. But sometimes circumstances are against you to achieve your goal as quickly as you'd like. There isn't a specific time limit on me getting us back up it's a case of as soon as possible.[LNB] That was probably the case at Newcastle as well, both clubs are geared up to be in the Premier League.'' While Newcastle retained high earners such as Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan, and Nicky Butt, Strachan has attempted to steer Boro's course back to the big time on a tight budget.[LNB] I can't comment on Newcastle's wage bill and how they may have gambled on going straight back up,'' he said. It depends how your chairman wants to go about things. He's the most important man at the club.[LNB] Having to sell a player I would rather keep is part of the job. As Coventry manager I had to sell Boateng, McAllister, Huckerby and Dublin. I don't relish it.[LNB] It's like I maybe don't relish having a big nose, being small and having red hair. But I deal with it. One of the reasons why the chairman brought me in was my reputation as someone who can manage clubs through tough financial times.[LNB] I won't throw my toys out of the pram if I don't get my own way. I make sure I know the rules when I join the club.[LNB] And what about his real view of Hughton[LNB] It wasn't easy for him at the start of the season. I know what it's like when you go to a club in a state of upheaval.[LNB] He's bought wisely in January. I know that for a fact because I was in for two of the ones he signed! noted Strachan who had Leon Best and Wayne Routledge on his shopping list.[LNB] Mike Ashley has stuck it out and he keeps investing in the club so, fair play to him.[LNB] Between Ashley and Chris they've done great together.[LNB] Chris has some good pros who can lead the young boys.[LNB] That's when a clever manager stands back. Fergie did that with Roy Keane, Scholesy, Gary Neville.[LNB] One of the reasons I brought in Robson, McManus and McDonald is they were around 25 before they made a good living out of the game. The ones earning a small fortune at 18-years-old can be little monsters.[LNB] It's not just at Middlesbrough, all managers have to deal with them.[LNB] When they get serious money they can be serious pests. It's become a disease.[LNB] If you speak loudly to young players now you'll have their agent, sports psychologist, child psychologist banging on your door.[LNB] I watch Under-9s Academy games, someone gets kicked and there's two people on treating them.[LNB] When I was a wee boy you rubbed your leg and got on with the game.[LNB] If I told my parents I'd had the belt at school they'd say good, you probably deserved it.' Now you're wary speaking to youngsters.[LNB] He's not, however, wary of speaking to the press; more wary instead of what he may be asked: It's not easy for the media covering football I feel sorry for you.[LNB] I go into a press conference knowing I won't hear any new questions.[LNB] So, I sometimes have a bit of fun and throw reporters a daft answer just to make things a bit more interesting.[LNB] I'm not too pleased when it's obvious that people haven't done their preparation.[LNB] My heart sinks when I hear is it important you win on Saturday Gordon' No, I hope we'll lose![LNB]
