Criticism is easier to take now: Strachan

Dec 13 2009 by Stuart Rayner, Sunday Sun

“I’ve just become more experienced and wiser. I’ve always been the same character, that doesn’t change.’’

If Strachan has learned as he has gone along, his young side are just starting out on the process. But the former Celtic boss has told his promising kids they are at just the right club to do it.

“It’s a good environment to learn in, working with good people, and you have a chance of being successful,” he said. “At some places, you never get a chance.

“The chairman here (Steve Gibson) is known for his patience. That was one of the reasons I came here.”

Strachan will go head to head with one of the game’s most popular managers this afternoon, Cardiff City’s Dave Jones.

And the Scot has been in touch with one of his predecessors in the Southampton dugout ahead of their televised meeting.

“I admire anyone who wants to do this job,” said the Boro boss. “I spoke to him on Thursday and he’s a popular guy in the game.”