Speed gunning to topple old mate Strachan
Published 23:00 21/08/10 By Michael Morgan
Gary Speed, Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister were best mates in a stellar midfield that took Leeds to the league title 18 years ago.
Now former Wales skipper Speed has taken over from the sacked Kevin Blackwell in the Sheffield United hot-seat – and his first task as Blades boss is to outwit Boro gaffer Strachan and his Riverside No.2 McAllister.
Speed revealed how it was Strachan who provided early motivation for him to think about a career in management.
Speed said: “I was only a young lad just making my way in the first team at Leeds, but it was so obvious to me even then that Gordon was definitely management material.
“He was always keen on that side of the game, and he used to talk to me a lot about becoming a manager.
“Gordon’s interest rubbed off and got me thinking about the coaching side, and as the years went by he became as much of an influence on me as anyone in my career.
“Those chats we had all those years ago are part of the reason why I am in the job I have got now. Mind you, I have not heard from him ahead of this game!”
Speed is also convinced one of his other big pals, Alan Shearer, will return to management one day.
He said: “I think Alan will have another crack – he has too much to offer not to go into it again if the right offer comes along.”
