EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Fergie-Strachan double act on the rise once more
AT Aberdeen in the 1980s, the combination of Alex Ferguson and Gordon Strachan was a spectacular success.
As manager and star player, they played a key role in the securing of two league titles, three Scottish Cups, the European Cup-Winner’s Cup and Super Cup.
Even if they didn’t fare quite so well together at Manchester United – Strachan quitting for Leeds before his mentor went on to sweep the boards – they remain one of Scotland’s most-famous double acts.
Now, more than three decades on, it is their sons who are working together to deliver more silverware to their famous families.
Darren Ferguson is manager of Doncaster Rovers, bookmakers’ favourites to win England’s League Two this season.
His assistant is Gavin Strachan, who although he represented Scotland Under21s eight times, described himself as having been a journeyman as a player.
“We will always have that shared history,” said Ferguson.
“Our dads did great things. We know that better than anyone because we grew up watching them at close quarters.
“So there will always be that connection. And from time to time, they will both be at one of our games, having dropped in to see how we get on, and have a chat then.
“But as proud as we are of past glories, for myself and Gavin what matters to us is what we are doing now.
“And the fact is we work very well together.
“I had Gavin as a youth coach when I was at Peterborough. It was clear from the off he was very good with players.
“So when I got the chance to manage Doncaster last October, I had no hesitation in asking him to come and work beside me again.
“There was a lot to sort out and we ended up getting relegated. But that has actually allowed us to regroup and rebuild and come back stronger this year.
“Now we are much more where we want to be with the team. We’re playing good football, winning games and, hopefully, will be in a position to secure promotion up to League One at the end of the season.”
November’s form suggests that is a live possibility, with the notoriously difficult month delivering three wins from three games with Exeter, Hartlepool and Leyton Orient all beaten in succession.
“It hasn’t just been the victories, but the manner of the victories that has been so pleasing,” said the Scot.
“In each of the games, they have had a question to answer and have responded in great style. They have shown great character.
“That bodes extremely well for the challenge ahead of us.”
Tougher opposition lies ahead on Saturday, though, in the shape of longterm division leaders, Plymouth, who they travel to face in Devon.
It is a game which throws up an intriguing clash of the dug-outs, with Ferguson and Strachan pitted against fellow Scots Derek Adams and Craig Brewster.
Former Ross County manager Adams now leads Argyle with Brewster, who was boss of Crawley in his own right, his No. 2.
“It is one of those games which reminds you it is a small world,” said Ferguson.
“I played for the youth team under Derek’s dad, George, at Aberdeen and I know Craig pretty well too.
“It will be a difficult game – for them as well as ourselves. Plymouth were doing very well for a good while, but have fallen off a little in recent weeks and they will be desperate to rectify that at our expense.
“So it could be a tricky one. We have belief in what we are doing and the players we have at the club so we will back ourselves to come out on top on the day.
“Then when it is all done, we will get together for a drink and a chat – and sort out all that is wrong in the game!”
As his comments suggest, at 44, Darren Ferguson is in a good place, at ease with himself and his working environment.
It is nine years since he first became manager of Peterborough United, and the unhappy stint with Preston North End sandwiched between two spells at the Posh is now just a memory.
“I had good times at Peterborough but I think I am as happy now with Doncaster as I have ever been,” said Ferguson.
“I know exactly where I want to take this football club and how I want to get us there.
“The backing is there, we have the tools, now we just have to deliver.”
The Ferguson-Strachan glory game, you sense, is not done yet.