The day that chippy Strachan was brought down - or taken up - a peg or two

Gordon Strachan likes journalists to challenge him with original questions, and quickly loses patience with anything that makes him bored.

Last week he was lobbed a few gentle openers by radio reporters down at Boro’s Hurworth training ground, and quickly got fed up.

So Gordon, what do you think of the job Chris Hughton has done at Newcastle?

“Rubbish.”

No seriously Gordon, he’s done a wonderful job turning around that crisis hasn’t he?

“Och, no, rubbish?”

Really? “No love, don’t take me so seriously.”

That prickly sarcasm is an acquired taste. Even as a player at Manchester United he was chippy, leading to him meeting his match one day, when he was picked up by his lapels and hung on a peg by one disgruntled victim of his wit.

Follow Simon Bird on Twitter

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!

williamhill.com

Your comments

Related content

Why Newcastle must use their bonding trip to Spain to ensure the season doesn't go south

    Latest opinions

    Column

    Why farcical forced pre-match handshakes should be scrapped

    Mark Lawrenson 08:01 11/02/12

      The pre-match handshake is a meaningless farce and should be scrapped. You shake the hand of an oppo... Read More+

      Column

      Jose would be perfect for Spurs but Harry could manage England part-time anyway

      Mark Lawrenson 08:00 11/02/12

        Jose Mourinho would be the perfect choice for Tottenham. And surely Spurs would be a great fit for h... Read More+

        Blog

        What are the odds Suarez and Evra swap shirts at the final whistle? Derek McGovern's Bets of the Day

        Betting Blog 22:00 10/02/12

        The FA reckon Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra should shake hands when they come face to face on Saturda... Read More+

        Column

        United v Liverpool has always been spiky... but it used to be about football too

        Brian Reade 20:59 10/02/12

          We should have sacked Capello two years ago Why Moyes is the right man for Spurs  Those who think to... Read More+

          Column

          We should have sacked Capello two years ago

          Brian Reade 20:58 10/02/12

            United v Liverpool has always been spiky... but it used to be about football too Why Moyes is the ri... Read More+

            Column

            Why Moyes is the right man for Spurs

            Brian Reade 20:57 10/02/12

              United v Liverpool has always been spiky... but it used to be about football too  We should have sac... Read More+

              Blog

              Watch video of Sami Khedira and Lena Gercke's steamy GQ photo shoot

              Mirror Football Blog 15:52 10/02/12

                It's a tough life being a top footballer part 3,876: poor old Sami Khedira. Not only is he forced to... Read More+

                Blog

                3PM Extra: Joe Hart's fart, when mascots attack and Turkish team's bus collides with express train

                Football Banter 15:38 10/02/12

                  Presenting quality football videos from the interweb, daily at 3pm. Here's today's collection: 1) We... Read More+

                  Column

                  Why does snow and extreme weather bring out the best in football fans?

                  Ian Winwood 14:09 10/02/12

                    A few years ago, on the weekend before Christmas I went with my mum to see Barnsley play at Queens P... Read More+

                    Blog

                    Simon Bird's Premier League previews and predictions (Week 25)

                    Mirror Football Blog 12:09 10/02/12

                      'Arry'll put a smile on those poor England boys' faces. Yeah, 'Arry's a man manager. Arm round the s... Read More+

                      Blog

                      The Best XI Liverpool vs Manchester United games

                      Mirror Football Blog 11:25 10/02/12

                        The MirrorFootball Best XI is our new feature celebrating the very best of the beautiful game. Each ... Read More+

                        Blog

                        Why do Rooney and co want Redknapp to succeed Capello? He'll make playing for England fun again

                        Mirror Football Blog 00:00 10/02/12

                          Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have already taken to Twitter to say Harry Redknapp is the man they’d... Read More+

                          Who should be England's next manager?

                          Latest columnists

                          Mark Lawrenson

                          Mark Lawrenson Read more from Mark Lawrenson

                          Brian Reade

                          Brian Reade Read more from Brian Reade

                          Ian Winwood

                          Ian Winwood Read more from Ian Winwood

                          Robbie Savage

                          Robbie Savage Read more from Robbie Savage

                          James Nursey

                          James Nursey Read more from James Nursey

                          Latest blogs

                          Watch video of Sami Khedira and Lena Gercke's steamy GQ photo shoot - Mirror Football Blog
                            3PM Extra: Joe Hart's fart, when mascots attack and Turkish team's bus collides with express train - Football Banter
                              Simon Bird's Premier League previews and predictions (Week 25) - Mirror Football Blog
                                The Best XI Liverpool vs Manchester United games - Mirror Football Blog
                                  Why do Rooney and co want Redknapp to succeed Capello? He'll make playing for England fun again - Mirror Football Blog
                                    Why having a Football Association chairman with balls gives England hope for the future - Mirror Football Blog