| Strachan is manager of the year
 By
Richard Purden
Celtic manager Gordon Stratchan has been named manager-of-the-year by
the Scottish football writers association.
Many had backed Kilmarnock’s Jim Jefferies but Celtic’s chief
executive Peter Lawwell had gone on record saying that for any manager
other than Strachan to win would be “for reasons other than football”.
Following in the footsteps of Martin O’Neill was a monumental task.
O’Neill pulled Celtic out the doldrums making them a force to be
reckoned with.
Strachan had a poor start with fans calling for the manager to be sacked
but he persevered. He opted for more flair and it wasn’t long before
he turned things around.
Celtic’s Neil Lennon said: “He never wavered from his philosophies
on how he wanted the game to be played or on his preparation.”
Roy Keane turned in a man-of-the-match performance as he returned from
injury for the Bhoys in their 1-1 draw with Hibs on Saturday. The Corkman
and Lennon in the midfield looked impenetrable.
It now seems certain Lennon will be staying for another year at Celtic
and he is hoping Keane will join him.
Lennon said: “If we go into the Champions League group stages Roy
could be vital.
“It’s Roy’s call. He will make the decision himself
and you can’t force him one way or another. From my point of view
I’m 34 and at this stage in my career to be playing with someone
like Roy is fantastic. I always wanted the opportunity to play with him.”
Shunsuke Nakamura could be making a Parkhead exit over the summer. His
dream move to Atletico Madrid is now looking a reality as they are said
to have the cash for the player they missed out on to Celtic.
UEFA has encouraged the SFA to crack down on Rangers bigots who continue
to sing sectarian songs domestically and in Europe. It was thought UEFA
would take the issue into their hands when Rangers were brought up on
hooligan and discrimination charges after their match against Villarreal
in the Champions League. Celtic have been praised in recent seasons for
their anti-sectarian stance.
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