Express Mortgages Express Loans Bingo Lose Weight Franchising Dating Shopping Book Shop Compare Broadband Wine Shop Legal Store FlatShare Cruises

FOOTBALL

STRACHAN DEFENDS COST CUTTING

Gordon Strachan

Saturday November 29,2008

By Gary Keown

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan insists he’s happy working to a tight budget under Peter Lawwell - because it means the Credit Crunch won’t kill the club stone-dead.

Parkhead legend and Express Sport columnist Charlie Nicholas launched a stinging attack on chief executive Lawwell this week and blamed his refusal to let Strachan splash out for the Hoops’ disastrous exit from Europe.

However, Strachan has defended the cost-cutting that has gone on under Lawwell’s watch and stated his belief there are several debt-ridden outfits in England now set to suffer badly because of the global economic downturn.

Nicholas reckons Lawwell has become power-crazy and can’t stop interfering in transfer business, but Strachan believes disgruntled fans must accept the entire board is doing what is best.

He said: “Peter looks after the finances and I look after the players.

“That was the remit when I came and I don’t have a problem with that.

Peter looks after the finances and I look after the players

Gordon Strachan

“We’ve watched the English clubs and others around the world and, in these times of the Credit Crunch, a lot of people could be in a big problem.

“We are nowhere near that. We’re absolutely as safe as houses and the club can continue now.

“Peter and the board of directors are trying to look after the club.

“I am quite happy to work with what I’ve got. That’s part of the deal.”

Meanwhile, winger Aiden McGeady will miss today’s home SPL clash with Caley Thistle because of tendonitis in his knee.

McGeady has been plagued with the problem for some time and it is beginning to look like he may have to consider surgery.

Strachan said: “Aiden hasn’t been training. He is in the gym, but he’s only been getting about 15 minutes pain-free.

“We are trying to alleviate that pain and the doctors will look at it over the next couple of days to see what we can do for the lad.”