Strachan to succeed Duff as first-team coach at Hoops

Celtic have appointed Gavin Strachan – son of Dundee technical director Gordon Strachan – as their new firstteam coach.

The 41-year-old replaces Damien Duff, who left to take up a role with the Republic of Ireland.

Strachan, whose father bossed the Hoops between 2005 and 2009, had been Darren Ferguson’s assistant manager at Peterborough and Celtic paid compensation to secure his release.

He will now work under Neil Lennon and assistant boss John Kennedy.

Strachan, who had a loan spell at Dens in 1999, said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed to this position with Celtic, such a giant of a club and a real iconic footballing institution – this really is an opportunity I could simply not turn down.

“I am hugely excited about getting started with Neil, John and the players as we get ready for the challenges ahead.

“Neil and John have been massive figures in the club’s nine-in-a-row journey and it will be fantastic to be part of such a great management and coaching team.

“The club has had a phenomenal run of success in recent years and I know everyone at Celtic and our supporters will be doing all we can, together, to keep this run going.

“I know we are looking ahead to a really exciting season and for me personally, it is a great time to join this brilliant club. I will work my hardest every day to bring success to the club.”

Lennon, who played under Strachan’s father for Celtic, added: “We are delighted to bring Gavin to Celtic, he is a brilliant appointment for us and someone I know will work really well with myself, John Kennedy, the players and the rest of our backroom team.

“We had a number of options for the role but Gavin was the outstanding candidate.

“He is a really talented, experienced, hard working and respected coach and I know he has the right qualities to make a great contribution to the club.”

Gavin Strachan is “hugely excited” by move to Celtic.