James McPake says learning from ‘master of the game’ Gordon Strachan has been invaluable to him as Dundee manager, following the Dens Park technical director’s return to Celtic.
The former Celtic manager will continue his work as Dundee’s technical director, despite taking on the consultancy role at Parkhead. McPake has learned lots from Strachan during his stint as Dundee manager, which has helped him guide the ‘the Dark Blues’ back to the Scottish Premiership from the Championship.
Strachan is with Celtic and Dundee. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Dundee’s boss loves having him around Dens (DR): “Gordon knows football inside out and knows it changes. He just loves talking about football – the wee hints and tips you get from him are invaluable. He has a workrate and a desire for football that is incredible.
“During the Spain v Italy semi-final in the Euros, he was on the phone to me during it, saying, ‘Rewind this or watch that’ which was brilliant. Sometimes I sit back and think that is someone who has managed the national team and Celtic phoning me up and saying have a look at that – it is humbling.
“He is bang up to date and knows everything that is going on in football. I can’t say he is a student of the game, he is a master of the game. Whatever happens in my career I will always look back on the time I spent with Gordon Strachan as a proper education.
“He is as straight and as honest as they come. That is why I love his company. Are Celtic lucky to have him for three months? In my opinion, yes.”
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