Gord: Stick at Celtic started from first day
GORDON STRACHAN has admitted he was taking stick from Celtic fans from the first day he was unveiled as the club’s new manager.
In 2005 he stepped into the Parkhead hotseat to replace beloved boss Martin O’Neill and was met with a mixed reaction from supporters.
Strachan admits there was only a handful of people there to greet him – comparing his reception to that of Brendan Rodgers when he arrived at Celtic Park for the first time.
The Aberdeen legend would go on to bring three Scottish titles to Glasgow’s east end but he has revealed one underwhelmed punter wasn’t buying into the hype on his first day.
He was quickly told that he wouldn’t be able to follow O’Neill’s legacy which had seen the club famously reach the UEFA Cup Final.
Strachan told PLZ : “I try to explain to people that when people normally take over they have this love for Celtic. Mine’s was different, I had an admiration for Celtic.
“People are born into it and I wasn’t born into it. I got a taste for it and I liked it, thought there were great people at the club and I enjoyed that.
“Some of the comments you used to get when you’re there as a manager, though.
“They were underwhelmed when I got there. When Brendan Rodgers got there, there was about 20,000 at Parkhead. I was lucky if there was 20. Some of them were just at the sports shop and walking by.
“You get the folk who ask for a wee picture. I said, ‘Aye, all right’ and it’s the usual, they’re messing about with the camera and it’s taking forever.
“He gives it to his mate, he puts his arm around me and goes, ‘Aye, you’re all right but you’re not as good as Martin O’Neill’.
“I’m just there like, ‘Aw for f***’s sake’.
“I just grew into it though, I really enjoyed it and I’ve still got great friends there now.”