A deranged Scotsman. And Gordon Strachan...

In the first of our 'interviews we did for other magazines that never got published' features, we speak to everybody's favourite Ginja Ninja...

Hard as it may be to believe, working at ToePoke is not a full-time gig. We have other day jobs which include freelance writing and pot-washing. And just as the pots don't always get really cleaned, sometimes our interviews don't get published. This, may we add, has nothing to do with our writing skills but everything to do with bad luck and editorial decisions made above our insignificant heads. And maybe occasionally to do with our writing skills.

So we have decided to publish here on ToePoke any interviews that didn't make it, to give our readers a chance to enjoy the writing brilliance that other mags' readers will have missed out on.

First up, Gordon Strachan, pre-Middlesbrough and the reason this never got published. Like we say, plain bad luck. For us and perhaps wee Gordon too, considering he is now at Middlesbrough. As it's a tad longer than ToePoke readers can generally handle in one sitting, we have split the interview into parts. Bet you can't wait for the next installment! Or perhaps you can...

Any journalist charged with the task of interviewing Gordon Strachan usually does so with some trepidation. He is a humorous and intelligent man, qualities clearly evident during his occasional stints on our screens as a big match pundit. His often spot-on tactical assertions coupled with a dry, Scottish wit have proved such a hit with the viewing public that the BBC and SKY fall over themselves to secure his services for their live football and highlights packages whenever he is available.

After being forced to sit through the banal musings of Alan Shearer, Mark Lawrenson et al, Strachan provides welcome relief to the usual cliché-driven analysis armchair football fans must suffer on a weekly basis. Despite seeming completely at ease in this media environment – discussing other managers’ teams and selections - the former footballer of the year has developed a reputation of being less comfortable when the spotlight is shone on him. He can be tetchy, short-tempered and often downright rude, especially with members of the written press.

However, as a fellow countryman and a Celtic fan with, I like to think, a bit of that famous Scottish wit, I was sure I could get the answers others had failed to get. Especially regarding his spell in charge of Celtic and his subsequent departure under rather tainted circumstances. I would be the man to finally crack the code that unlocked the innermost thoughts of the fiery Gordon Strachan. As I sat down to conduct the interview, I confidently revealed my Scottish/Celtic credentials and implied that I was there to find out what really happened during his stint at the helm of the Glasgow giants. “Well son," came the rather terse reply, "we are going to have a problem right away.” Oh dear, not exactly the start I was looking for…

Despite being the most successful manager since the legendary Jock Stein, he was never truly accepted by the Celtic faithful. To those on the outside, this seems an unbelievable state of affairs as his record surpasses even that of the revered Martin O’Neil. Three league Championships in a row, a Scottish Cup and qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League in successive years is an impressive haul in anyone’s book.

The punters at Celtic Park, however, never really seemed to show him the goodwill his success perhaps deserved. However, although he may not be ‘Celtic-minded’, he does have a history with the Glasgow club. During their hay-days in the early 80’s, Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen would regularly hand out comprehensive beatings to the Old Firm in their own backyard. Gordon Strachan, in particular, would revel in these encounters, his in your face style aggravating opponents and opposition fans alike. Especially those connected with Celtic. In one famous incident, a Hoops fan vaulted the fence and hooked the Don’s midfielder squarely on the chin.

The fan was subsequently arrested and fined £200. A whip round in the pub after the match raised £300, a clear indication as to the regard Gordon Strachan was held in by Celtic fans. As we all know, football fans have long memories and it seems some had not forgiven the man from Edinburgh for his past sins. As for Strachan’s thoughts on his relationship with the Celtic masses, it is made abundantly clear to me this is definitely not a topic for conversation.

Will Gordon really refrain from talking about Celtic? Will he crack any jokes to lighten the mood? And will Chris nick anymore free Championship Manager merchandise? Find out Friday in part two...