strachan and the supporters

I know. I swore I wasn't getting involved in this thread !

 

No I don't think it is respectful and on many occassions I had wished he just didn't give the interview as sometimes they can be cringe worthy but that doesn't stop me supporting him as Celtic manager.

I have never met him, so I don't know what he's really like and I will not judge him based on a media persona, he dislikes the media as much as they dislike him.

 

They are entitled to their opinion, not to be abusive and disrespectful towards someone thats had significant success at the club

 

I resent that allegation. The Phoenix and I are perfect examples to new members of how to contribute to the site.

I don't accept that it has 'NO bearing' but I agree it's not everything. The thread did ask, imo, about whether or not he is popular or unpopular (since the OP felt the media overplayed his unpopularity) and his character does have a part to play in that.

We have been over teh criticisms of his management many times. I have tried in long posts to explain what I think are valid criticisms of his management. They do exist.

 

Respect is a two way street.

 

Fair enough, but folk have a right not to respect someone whom they feel does not have respect for them.

 

I don't agree that Strachan doesn't respect the fans, He always seems to have time for the fans imo.

Anyway, I obviously am loving the success that he's brought to the club but at times It's so frustrating when he changes the team selection, such as sticking Heid in midfield. Some of his signings have been poor but on the other hand he's brought in some great players such as Boruc, Naka etc. As long as we're winning trophies I'm happy but I do think we need to play better football as in many games this season we have been absolutely brutal in all honesty.

We are capable of playing better football without doubt, just hope to see us do it on a more consistent basis.

 

Who disrespected who first?

The answer is childish tbh

His management of the first team is the priority

Some fans are very quick to pull the rug out from under his success which isnt right. We should be celebrating our domestic dominance at every turn.

Do you think that Rangers cared that we were going through our worst point in our history when they were gloating about their 9 in a row? No they didnt! Why do people insist on berating Strachan based on their failures as a club because when Strachan arrived, we were heading straight for the iceberg too!

 

We can play better but I do believe that injuries and lack of match sharpness have played a massive part in team selections and tactics and the cohesion of the team performance.

 

Totally agree with that - we can only beat what is put in front of us, and Strachan is doing that while at the same time working with board to ensure we have financial stability in the long term - he deserves praise for this.

 

I am sorry but that is a meaningless cliche which completely misses the point.

We are all delighted about beating what's in front of us but that in itself doesn't make us good. I want a good side on the park, we all do. There is nothing wrong with wanting that, or talking about why we think it's not happening for us. We've been pretty grim this season, let's be honest.

 

Different era but surely you can recognise that the SPL has gone downhill alot since the 90's very early 00's

Huge TV Money being pumped into several other leagues & Oil rich sugar daddies in places like the Ukraine & Russia have contributed to quality players ignoring the OF and seeking riches & success elsewhere.

This decline became apparent when the club did most of its restructuring when GS came in and continue to tweak it. Surely you see the differences between what he has been dealt with and what he has to put up with.

I am from the "Everything can be better" school of thought but I have looked at things from every angle I could possibly find. The current transfer policy does hinder Strachan from getting the required players to implement his tactics. More often than not, he's had to work with/buy players that have chinks in their game and try to develop their game.

e.g.

McGeady - Wouldnt track back or do donkey work for the team at all

Nakamura - Unable to cope with the physical side of the SPL

Boruc - Lack of Professionalism

Caldwell - Slow

Hinkel - Not dominant in the air

Scott Brown - Technical Ability

Strachan has to try and improve the team somehow, he can refuse to buy players because they arent the complete article. He has to try something and its unfair to blame him for trying to deal with the circumstances especially when they arent in his control

 

We don't always agree, but that pretty much sums it up perfectly.

He'll take flak from me after poor performances, poor team selections etc but I did the same with MON.

I hope he stays for a long time yet.

 

Can I just add that I met him in Milan airport and he stood for countless pictures etc with the fans (me included) chatting and having a laugh. Nothing but respect and humility.

Unlike some of the players I must say (step forward Gary 'I dont get pictures with fans - direct quote ' Caldwell and Shunsuke run past everyone' Nakamura).

I know players must get fed up, but unlike them, we had took the scenic route and paid fortunes to get to Milan.

 

To be fair to Naka, he's a shy kind of man. He's probably uncomfortable. He still takes pics with fans though. Martin has a picture with him.

 

He asked me for that picture.

 

Biffy, it took a deflection ffs. If a players whole career at a club is judged on one goal, Bert Konterman will go down as a Rangers legend.

 

My cousin got a pic with Naka too. Aiden was the only one who blanked him.

 

Fair doos, but I can only go on personal experience.