Strachan in line for Boro despite new RTÉ role

GORDON STRACHAN last night became the latest addition to RTÉ’s soccer panel.

Strachan made his first appearance for RTÉ during last night’s Champions League clash between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

The former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United midfielder and Celtic manager, one of football’s more colourful characters, will bring his extensive experience as a player and manager, as well as his infamous sharp wit to RTÉ soccer coverage.

Strachan’s arrival further strengthens RTÉ Television’s soccer team which includes John Giles, Eamon Dunphy, Graeme Souness, Ray Houghton, Kenny Cunningham, Ronnie Whelan and Trevor Steven as well as anchors Bill O’Herlihy, Darragh Maloney, Peter Collins and Con Murphy.

RTÉ’s Head of Sport Glen Killane is delighted with the addition of Strachan. “We are delighted that Gordon is joining our unrivalled team of soccer analysts,’’ Killane said.

“RTÉ Sport is constantly striving to ensure that we deliver the best quality sports coverage to the public and Gordon’s vast soccer experience and punditry credentials are a great addition.”

Strachan will be an occasional contributor to RTÉ’s coverage, a state of affairs that will allow him to return to management if he so wishes.

And that could happen as early as today after the Scot was yesterday installed as the almost unbackable favourite to replace Gareth Southgate, who was sacked from his position as Middlesbrough manager yesterday.

Last night there was speculation Strachan, who has been out of work since leaving Celtic at the end of last season, could be appointed as early as today.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has indicated the club is in a position to move quickly and the former Celtic manager could be in charge for the match away to Preston North End on Saturday.

“We already had a strategy for Gareth’s replacement,” said Gibson. “The timing of Gareth’s sacking was determined a little by the implementation of that strategy.”