Gordon Strachan commands respect but not widespread affection in Scotland, Glasgow event suggests

Gordon Strachan was welcomed to the stage in Glasgow last weekend with warmth from a portion of the crowd, but ticket sales for his appearance at the Eastwood Theatre were eclipsed by those for singer Barbara Dickson, underlining the uneven affection the former player and manager receives in Scotland.

Barbara Dickson, 77, outsold Strachan by almost 100 percent at consecutive "In Conversation" events at the venue, according to the host. Strachan, 68, drew a respectable turnout and was described as charming and witty on stage, but visible empty seats and social-media reactions after the event highlighted the enduring ambivalence some Scottish fans feel toward him.

Strachan’s public profile in Scotland rests on a long playing and managerial career that includes captaining Leeds United to the 1992 English top-flight title and managing Celtic and the Scotland national team. Supporters and colleagues point to his tactical work at Celtic — including taking the club into the UEFA Champions League last 16 on two occasions — and to high-profile signings such as Shunsuke Nakamura, whose set-piece and playmaking skills became key moments in Celtic’s European campaigns.

He is also respected for his work since 2021 as technical adviser at Dundee FC, where he has focused on coaching youth players and advising on development pathways. Strachan told the host that few roles in the game have given him as much satisfaction as watching a 14- or 15-year-old progress into a first-team player by age 18.

But admiration for Strachan’s professional achievements has not translated into universal affection in Scotland. Observers and fans trace that gap to a combination of his combative public persona as a player and manager, past blunt comments and a handful of controversies during his time in charge of Scotland. As Scotland manager he twice failed to take the national side to a major tournament and drew criticism for remarks about the comparative physiology of Scottish players when facing more mobile opponents in Europe. One widely reported comment during his Celtic tenure — that ‘‘you just have to put up with Scottish football’’ — was judged by some supporters as dismissive.

Those tensions resurfaced at the Glasgow events. One social-media response cited by the host called Strachan a "wee p****," while other attendees praised him. Former colleagues and players speak of a different Strachan: a coach who values technical skill, who championed players such as Nakamura and who formed close working relationships with staff including Tommy Burns. Strachan recalled Burns as loyal, funny and deeply committed to Celtic, and recounted moments of camaraderie from their time together.

Support in England, particularly among Leeds United fans, contrasts with the mixed reception in Scotland. At Leeds, Strachan is widely remembered for his leadership in the club’s last top-flight title campaign. At Celtic, he won over many supporters through signings and a refinement of the team’s style after the Martin O’Neill era, even as some supporters continued to view him as prickly.

The host and others who have observed Strachan in public settings say he has not shied away from addressing the criticism. He has described the passion of Celtic supporters as "almost unique" and defended some of his past observations about Scottish football as candid assessments formed from long experience. At the Eastwood Theatre, the former international remained composed and spoke at length about player development and the rewards of coaching younger players.

For now, Strachan continues his role at Dundee and maintains a presence in Scottish football through coaching and advising. The contrast between box-office performance at the Glasgow events and the respect he retains within the professional game illustrates a split that has followed him for decades: widely respected for his footballing knowledge and achievements, but not universally embraced by the Scottish public.

Strachan’s standing remains a subject of debate among supporters and commentators, even as he continues to work in the sport and says public affection is not a priority for him.