Strachan signs Marcus Bent on loan
Oct 31 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
Strachan insists he will do that his way as he argued he has no need for outside interference when it comes to getting the best out of his players – particularly when it comes to the mental side of things.
He said: “I am a psychologist. All football managers are psychologists at their club and the best sports psychologist in the world is Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I worked with him for nine years and that’s why I think like that.
“At St Mirren he created the best football team they ever had, you go to Aberdeen and the best team they ever had was when he was there.
“You go to Manchester United, the same. Not a sports psychologist in sight. It has got nothing to do with what anyone else does, but that is what I believe. I might be completely wrong, but he gets the best out of players.
“That is what makes him so good at his job. One or two may be wounded in that group now and again but tough. As far as the fans are concerned they are not interested in the ones who are feeling sorry for themselves, whether they have been left out.
“All the Boro fans want is for the 16 players in the matchday squad to go and win that game. I am not saying sports psychology is wrong, but for a group and a football team, it is right that the manager and his staff are the psychologists.”
MATCH BOX
MIDDLESBROUGH: Striker Jeremie Aliadiere sits it out following an ankle operation. On-loan forward Caleb Folan is still missing with a torn hamstring while long-term absentees Chris Riggott and Andrew Taylor (both ankle) and Matthew Bates (knee) also remain out. Julio Arca could start.
PLYMOUTH: Rory Fallon is a major doubt because of a calf strain. Darcy Blake starts a three-match ban and David Gray has an ankle problem.
Last five league matches: Middlesbrough L W L W D; Plymouth W W L L D
Top scorers (all competitions): Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough) 9; Jamie Mackie (Plymouth) 3
Match odds: H 2-5 A 11-2 D 3-1
Referee: Mike Russell (Hertfordshire).
