Source: Northern_Echo
Strachan knows what he needs to do
GORDON STRACHAN has admitted addressing certain issues will occupy his New Year celebrations in his bid to emerge from a horrible period he was expecting as Middlesbrough manager.[LNB] Strachan put on a brave face in the aftermath of yesterday afternoon's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United, a result which leaves him with just five points from a possible 24 since taking over.[LNB] That eight-match run, including the one win at QPR, leaves Middlesbrough staring at the prospect of another season in the Championship.[LNB] Strachan refuses to publicly criticise his players and prefers not to reveal too much about his intentions.[LNB] But with the transfer window due to open on January 1 he is clearly looking to make adjustments, with raids on the Old Firm looking likely.[LNB] He did, though, have sympathy for his players yesterday, knowing they were not outplayed by a Newcastle team now leading the Championship by ten points.[LNB] I wouldn't like to be a player at the moment, that's for sure. To put that much hard work in and not get anything from it is hard, said Strachan.[LNB] I know our failings and I have to address that. We got into areas we really wanted to get into but we couldn't capitalise.[LNB] That's our fault and I have no doubt, I will look to address that. We were brave but we couldn't do anything about it.[LNB] I'm not being specific, I know what the problems are and I will look to assess that.[LNB] I will try to address it with whatever options I Have."[LNB] It's quite obvious when you watch, and watch last week's defeat to Cardiff, what the problems are.[LNB] Rangers striker Kris Boyd, Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Celtic defender Mark Wilson are among Strachan's targets ahead of next month's winter sales.[LNB] And he hinted he is keen to bring in new faces with strong mentality, while trying to make his existing personnel overcome dips in confidence.[LNB] As a manger you get some horrible periods in your life and as a player you try as hard as you want and you have to get on with it,[LNB] said the former Celtic boss.[LNB] Newcastle deserved the win and deserve to be where they are.[LNB] They have good experience in their team, they are all working hard and it's a man's game.[LNB] When we played AC Milan (with Celtic) they were full of men, you need men in this game and Newcastle have that.[LNB] Having been full of praise for the way Newcastle have taken the Championship by storm this season, Strachan was annoyed by a couple of decisions that contributed to Middlesbrough's defeat.[LNB] Rather than focus on Brad Jones' failure to deal with Danny Guthrie's free-kick into the area, which ended with Marlon Harewood tapping in the opener in the 16th minute, he felt Shola Ameobi hauled down Emanuel Pogatetz in the build up.[LNB] Strachan also felt Middlesbrough deserved a penalty just after the half hour when Steven Taylor blocked Isaiah Osbourne's shot with his hand before Steve Harper eventually gathered.[LNB] I don't think there's a doubt, there was a blatant shove in the back, said Strachan.[LNB] When life is good for you, things will go for you. We haven't got that. It was also a penalty, there's no doubt about that, he stretched his hands. It was actually a good save.[LNB] Boro have recorded just one win in their last nine matches and, after fans chanted for under-fire Jones to be replaced by Danny Coyne, Strachan admits he will be looking at what he can change when Scunthorpe arrive at the Riverside on Boxing Day.[LNB] He said: I have not spoken to Brad, I have had no time. Afterwards you analyse and see what can be done to make the team better for the next game, that's what we will be doing.[LNB]
