Gordon On the Line? | Celtic FC Supporters's Blog

We've all witnessed Celtic's struggles for a trophy this season. We've seen them fight hard and beat the likes of AC Milan and Shakhtar Dontesk in the dying seconds of the match, only to be put down by Barcelona in the Final 16.

We saw Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink equalize for the Celts in the 90th minute to force a replay in the Scottish Cup quarterfinals, only to lose 1-0 to Aberdeen in the replay at Celtic Park.

We saw Celtic fight courageously against Rangers, with the season on the line, and see Big Jan score in injury time to put Celtic up 2-1 over the Gers.

Celtic has shown us this year that it's a team that fights to the dying seconds, day in and day out, for their shot at a trophy and a championship. They may have given up points here or there, but what team doesn't? Every team has its own rough patch once and a while.

Celtic's struggles have lasted them throughout the entire season, ranging from the Champions Leaugue, the Old Firm, the media, their own fans and even from inside the locker room.

But throughout it all they've managed to stick together and stay in the title race. It's really amazing to see how much heart and determination the players have, even though everyone outside is saying they don't have a chance in hell.

I think a major reason that the team has stayed together for so long is Gordon Strachan, Celtic's manager. His positive attitude, close relationship to the players and smart outlook on the game have guided Celtic to two Scottish Cups, two SPL titles and two trips to the Chamions League final 16 in his two years with the club.

This looks to be his first season here where he may not win a trophy, and because of this, many are calling for Wee Gordon to be fired. At a big club like Celtic, winning hardware is neccesary to keep the fans happy.

Sports are very different in Europe than in the US. Usually in America coaches can spend 6-7 years with a team, even if he's doing a mediocre job. In Europe, the UK especially, when club's don't improve immediately after a new manager's arrival he gets the old heave ho. This constant circulation of new managers is often what keeps the team from improving, in truth.

The Bhoys are happy under Gordon, who is a fantastic coach in my opinion, and I've witnessed his passion and desire to win from 15 feet away. He's out there to do his best and put on a good show for the fans, even if it's just a friendly against the Chicago Fire, and that love of the game at that level is very admirable in today's game, when most managers and players are more concerned about the business side of the sport, rather than the competition itself.

Gordon is a manager with integrity and great knowledge for the game. There are other managers like him, yes, but Gordon brings something to the table a lot of great managers don't: his fantastic combination of strength, knowledge, determination and faith in his team.

He's got a unique coaching style that focuses on the player's fitness and health, even going as far as incorporating seaweed into his diet. He takes many of his diets from his own playing career that began when Gordon was 14 and ended when he was 40. Several players, including Gary Caldwell, have said that Gordon has helped them improve better as players, training the players well, refusing to let them drink alcohol and control their diets. All of which have greatly improved the Bhoy's play.

And just look what he's done to the squad! Bringing in star players like Scott McDonald, Scott Brown, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Artur Boruc, Paul Hartley and Barry Robson among others.

So why sack a manager who's done wonders for the club in less than 3 seasons? I say give Gordie another go, and if the Bhoys don't fair well then you may be right in throwing up the old "Help Wanted" sign on Parkhead's front door, but as for now, firing Strachan would be a huge mistake.

So keep up the good work, Gordon. There may be some fans calling for your head but there are also many that appreciate all you've done here.

Fans and some media are calling for Gordon Strachan to be fired, but many point out the great success he's had here in so little time as a reason for him to stay.