Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan heads north of border for Driver
GORDON STRACHAN will spend the next few months working on ways of assembling a tighter squad after admitting that a summer of dramatic change has already started at Middlesbrough.[LNB] He is keen to follow up changes to his backroom team by making significant progress on the player recruitment front and he will launch further bids north of the border.[LNB] Hearts winger Andy Driver is high on his list of targets and, after a frustrating season with injuries, it is believed his value has dropped during the last 12 months.[LNB] Driver, who missed the Jambos' penultimate game of the season at home to Dundee United last night with a thigh problem, was the subject of intense interest from a number of clubs last year.[LNB] An offer from Coventry of around £1m was rebuffed, while Burnley and Steve Mc- Claren's FC Twente were both quoted a £4m asking price.[LNB] But having played just 12 times because of a series of injuries, Hearts may lower their asking price significantly.[LNB] Hearts, who revealed a £35m debt recently, would sell, but they would play hardball until they receive an offer they feel reflects the player's talent. It is understood they would accept £2m.[LNB] Driver, a left-footed winger who can also play on the right, had been the subject of intense media interest on both sides of the border earlier this year.[LNB] Despite being born in Oldham, he wanted to represent his adopted country after being brought up in Gullane on the east coast of Scotland.[LNB] Despite an agreement between the home nations to bring in a five-year schooling rule, it emerged the former England Under-21 international fell four moths short and could not play for Scotland.[LNB] Driver is not the only Scottish league player under consideration, with Dundee United pair Craig Conway, a forward, and Morgaro Gomis, a defensive midfielder, also under serious consideration.[LNB] Strachan would also like to do a permanent deal with Celtic for Stephen McManus and he still holds an interest in his Parkhead team-mate Mark Wilson, a defender.[LNB] The Boro boss wants to form a settled squad capable of making a perfect start to life in the Championship next season, knowing how 39 players were used during this season's failure to seal a play-off place.[LNB] I forgot how many players we have had here, said Strachan, who has already lined up a deal for Livingston's teenage winger Andy Halliday.[LNB] That was the kind of season we had here. It was like a revolving door.[LNB] It was just incredible that we used 39 players. Ten of them aren't even here now.[LNB] That's no good to get you stability.[LNB] We need a group of around 22 or 23 and we need a group who are more adaptable, meaning we could have a wide man that can play through the middle or in a lot of positions.[LNB] We want durability. I want more of a variation next season.[LNB] Strachan has been quick to terminate the contracts of Colin Cooper, Stephen Pears, Martin Scott and David Leadbeater and he has put plans in place for their replacements.[LNB] Gary McAllister, Jim Blyth and Ray Clarke are all lined up.[LNB] But there are likely to be more departures with Jeremie Aliadiere angling for a move to London when his contract expires at the end of next month. Fulham are thought to be interested.[LNB] I don't think I have changed too much since I have come in, said Strachan.[LNB] You will see change now. I have not been too radical since I arrived.[LNB] What we have had to do is change the team because we have had players move on and had horrendous injuries. I can say that now because I didn't want to make an excuse for it during the season. I have never come across such an injury crisis before.[LNB] While Aliadiere will depart, Strachan still hopes to agree deals on reduced terms for Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz, who might have to accept pay-as-you-play deals given their injury records. He will also have fresh contract talks with Jonathan Grounds and Chris Killen.[LNB] Middlesbrough are also going to ask Tottenham if they can have Kyle Naughton, who spent the last five months on loan at the Riverside, for another season at least.[LNB] I like Kyle. There's more to Kyle than I have seen, said Strachan. I would like him to come back for at least a year.[LNB] If we could sign him for a decent fee I would do that as well.[LNB]
