Strachan ready for Celtic challenge
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Article summary
Celtic FC have unveiled Gordon Strachan as their new manager following the departure of Martin O'Neill.
Article body
No hesitation
The 48-year-old former Southampton FC and Coventry City FC manager was presented to the media at Celtic Park this morning. He said he had no hesitation in taking over from O'Neill who resigned last week after five successful years with the Scottish club to care for his wife who is battling against cancer.
World famous
"I didn't have to be asked twice," said Strachan who has signed a one-year rolling contract. "They're a world-famous club and no one can turn down the chance to perform as a manager at a club like this. It's going to be hard to take over from Martin. Five years ago it might have been too much for me, but not now and I'm really looking forward to it."
High hopes
Strachan confirmed that Garry Pendrey, his assistant at Southampton, would be joining him in Glasgow and indicated he would like to keep out-of-contract players such as Neil Lennon and Jackie McNamara. He is also holding out the hope that on-loan Newcastle United FC striker Craig Bellamy might want to commit to a longer deal.
