Declan McConville with A Celtic State of Mind – Gavin Strachan: The correct appointment?

There was a feeling of general disappointment around Celtic Park with the departure of first-team coach Damien Duff from the football club. The Irishman stepped up to the plate immediately after Brendan Rodgers left for Leicester City to form a fantastic working relationship alongside Neil Lennon and John Kennedy to further Celtic’s domestic success.

Duff’s career in the game was replicated with his attributes as a coach and I’m sure everyone at Celtic were thankful for the time he spent at the club and would wish him every success in his new Republic of Ireland role under Stephen Kenny.

Immediately after Duff announced he was leaving, the speculation around possible coaching replacements began. Celtic have recently returned to a traditional boot-room approach, which served the club so well for over 100 years, and it was expected that the club would appoint internally with either Stephen McManus or Darren O’Dea
being promoted to first-team duties.

Over the last few weeks, A Celtic State of Mind also discussed a few other options, with Henrik Larsson and Alan Thompson cited as potential replacements. Celtic’s otherwise impressive conveyor belt of talent has consistently failed to produce when it comes to goal-scoring centre-forwards, and it was felt that the striking department would have benefited from the presence of the King of Kings at Lennoxtown. As for Alan Thompson, since his untimely departure in 2012, Thommo has gained further experience at Birmingham City, Blackpool and Bury. But a Sevile reunion with Lennon wasn’t to be…

The club announced yesterday that they have decided to appoint a man who will be no stranger to the expectations at Celtic, despite never having been directly associated with the club. Gavin Strachan – son of former Celtic manager Gordon – has agreed to part ways with Peterborough United to join Neil Lennon in pursuit of 10-in-a-row.

Gavin has had his fair share of experience in the game having played for 11 clubs in a 14-year career that yielded fewer that 200 appearances. He described himself as a “journeyman” player when writing his blog back in 2008. For more insights into the makeup of Gavin Strachan, check out his blog entries HERE.

Gavin has worked alongside Darren Ferguson at both Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough United but couldn’t resist the offer of stepping up from England’s third tier to Scotland’s dominant force. It is no secret that Neil Lennon has a close relationship with his former gaffer, Gordon Strachan, and going on that basis, this should be a good fit.

Everyone at A Celtic State of Mind would like to wish Gavin Strachan all the very best at Celtic.

Declan McConville