Originally Posted by BladeRR05

I find it strange that after 3 titles in a row, Strachan is still questioned as the right man for the job. Firstly, as far as criticism of the opposition goes, you can only beat what is in front of you. Yeah Rangesr are rotten; but they did get to the UEFA final and were lauded by the gutter press as at leats a "decent" team. We beat them fair and square (even though thye goalpost were shifted by tyhe SPL).

Secondly, we judge our credibility on how we do in Europe. We have qualified from the Goup Stages of the CL for the last 2 seasons with some more than decent performances (San Siro, Old Trafford) as well as some decent wins against Benfice, Man U etc.

Thirdly, the formation and the passing game; we have stopped lumping it up to the front men and try to pass the ball and open teams up. It doesn't always work (often against a 9 man defence) but it has paid dividends in Europe. I'd rather watch a passing team through the midfield than the long-ball merchants (and we were such a team under MON).

Finally, the signings - Strachan has said quite clearly we need a reality check and he's right! The days of £6 million players is past - we're shopping at Woolworths, not M&S. We pushed the boat out with Brown and he'll come good (and remember his personal tragedy last year must've affected him). Boruc, Nakamura, Hartley, JVoH, McDonald, Robson and Naylor have all been more than decent buys. I believe Hinkel will come good - he is a decent player.

Let's all get behind the team and the manager and look forward to 4 in a row and maybe the last 8 of the CL. Will that stop the doubters? sadly, I think not!