It’s easy to get caught up in the dazzling performances and the goals that light up the pitch on a weekly basis. But behind the scenes, there’s an unsung hero who’s been instrumental in shaping the talent we see on the pitch: assistant coach Gavin Strachan.
We had the chance to attend a press conference on Friday afternoon, where Celtic’s midfield dynamo Matt O’Riley was full of praise for Strachan. “I work a lot with Gavin Strachan and I go through my clips with him and assess what I could have done better with the fine details,” O’Riley said. It’s clear that Strachan’s meticulous approach to coaching is paying dividends, not just for O’Riley but for the squad as a whole.
Gavin Strachan might not grab the headlines, but his influence within the Celtic setup is undeniable. Working one-on-one with players, Strachan has been the driving force in developing individual talents and fine-tuning their skills. His attention to detail and tactical acumen have been pivotal in turning good players into great ones.
Matt O’Riley’s rise to prominence this season hasn’t been a fluke. The young midfielder has been putting in the hard yards on the training pitch, and it’s evident that Strachan’s guidance has been a key factor. By focusing on the “fine details,” as O’Riley puts it, Strachan has helped him elevate his game to new heights. Whether it’s perfecting a pass, improving defensive positioning, or making smarter decisions on the ball, Strachan’s influence is clear to see.
But it’s not just O’Riley who’s benefiting from Strachan’s expertise. Word around the training ground is that he’s been working closely with many players in the squad, helping them improve various aspects of their game. This kind of individual attention can make a world of difference over the course of a gruelling season, and it’s no coincidence that Celtic are flying high with Strachan in the coaching setup.
In football, it’s often the players who get all the glory while coaches and support staff remain in the background. But as Matt O’Riley’s comments reveal, Gavin Strachan deserves a share of the spotlight for his role in Celtic’s success this season. God knows he got plenty of flak when things weren’t going our way.
Hail Hail Gavin.
