Gordon Strachan Resigns

By: Matt | May 25th, 2009

It took Gordon Strachan just one day to evaluate his place at Celtic after drawing with Hearts and missing out on four titles in a row, and he has decided that his place is no longer at Celtic. Strachan resigned today, leaving the first team head coaching position open. Strachan was in charge of Celtic for four years, bringing three SPL titles, two last 16 appearances in the Champions League, two League Cups, and a Scottish Cup.
Two of Strachan’s title winning seasons saw Celtic win the league by double digit margins, and their two last 16 appearances in the Champions League were the first appearances for Celtic past the group stages since the beginning of the modern Champions League. Despite this success, Strachan has always been subjected to criticism by both the press and supporters alike. His tactics and team selections always were hotly debated, and the direction Celtic went in the transfer seasons were also very controversial. Strachan is now considered a candidate for the newly vacant Sunderland job.
Strachan had this to say after resigning, “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club’s manager for four years. We have done all we can to bring success to the club and we were delighted to deliver three SPL titles, other domestic silverware, as well as making some great progress in Europe. It is just disappointing that we did not manage the fourth championship. However, the players can hold their heads high in terms of what they have done in recent years. I would like to thank the Celtic board for all the support they have given me, in particular Dermot Desmond, John Reid, Peter Lawwell and former chairman Brian Quinn – I could not have asked for any more support. I thank all the players I have worked with at the club and, of course, my backroom team for the backing and assistance which they have given me. I thank the fans too for the tremendous support which they have given both myself and the players. I wish Celtic and our supporters nothing but success for the future.”

Although I have been critical of Strachan for awhile now, I would officially like to thank Gordon for his service to the club. The two European runs into the knockout stages had some great moments for all Celtic supporters and although we did not see eye to eye often, I know your heart was in the right place and I wish you luck in the rest of your career. It is now time for Celtic to find their next leader. Rumors have linked current SPL coaches Craig Levein, current coach of Dundee United, and Mark McGhee, former Celtic player and current coach of Motherwell, but the board have not announced any candidates yet.