'I understand the fans' hurt, says Gordon Strachan
Sep 14 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
UNDER-FIRE Gordon Strachan says he sympathises with Middlesbrough’s frustrated supporters.
A section of Boro’s travelling support called for Strachan’s head after their 3-0 reverse at QPR, a sad reflection on a poor start to the new campaign for his new-look side.
Boro were the biggest net spenders in the division over the summer, bringing in six new players including Scotland striker Kris Boyd. But there has been little change in fortunes for the Teessiders, who have lost three games on the bounce to leave them 20th in the early Championship standings.
They get an immediate opportunity to atone against Burnley tonight but Strachan knows supporters need evidence of improvement if they are to stick with his struggling team.
He cited a post-match encounter with one passionate Boro fan as an example of the reasonable majority who expect improvements from the pre-season Championship favourites. “It has been frustrating, disappointing (so far),” Strachan admitted.
“We fell away in the second half – that is a problem we have to deal with and I hope we are angry because anger is an energy, as (Sex Pistols singer) John Lydon said. We are angry with ourselves because there is no one else to blame.
“We can all come in here and the players can give soundbites but it doesn't mean anything. It is only actions that count and at the moment our actions are not good enough.
