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. 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. That eight-match run, including the one win at QPR, leaves Middlesbrough staring at the prospect of another season in the Championship. Strachan refuses to publicly criticise his players and prefers not to reveal too much about his intentions. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. I'm not being specific, I know what the problems are and I will look to assess that. I will try to address it with whatever options I Have." It's quite obvious when you watch, and watch last week's defeat to Cardiff, what the problems are. 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. 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. 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, said the former Celtic boss. Newcastle deserved the win and deserve to be where they are. They have good experience in their team, they are all working hard and it's a man's game. When we played AC Milan (with Celtic) they were full of men, you need men in this game and Newcastle have that. 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. 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. 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. I don't think there's a doubt, there was a blatant shove in the back, said Strachan. 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. 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. 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.