Gordon Strachan Quotes

Powerful Gordon Strachan for Daily Growth

About Gordon Strachan

Gordon Strachan, born on August 15, 1947, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a distinguished Scottish writer known for his engaging novels that blend historical fiction, mystery, and suspense. Strachan's early life was marked by the influence of his father, a shipyard worker who loved reading and nurtured his son's passion for literature. Strachan's affinity towards writing was further fueled by the rich historical tapestry of Glasgow and the surrounding areas. After completing his education, Strachan worked in various jobs before deciding to pursue his dream full-time. His debut novel, "The Cold Blue Yonder" (1984), a gripping tale of World War I, marked his entrance into the literary world. The book was met with critical acclaim and set the stage for Strachan's prolific career. Strachan's subsequent works include "The Piper's Tune" (1986), a historical novel set in 1745 during the Jacobite Rising, and "The Longest Day" (1989), a thrilling tale of the D-Day landings. His most renowned work, however, is arguably "The Columns of Heaven" (1993), a compelling narrative about the construction of the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering marvel in Scotland. Strachan's writing style is characterized by his meticulous research, which lends authenticity to his historical settings, and his knack for crafting intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have found a wide readership worldwide. In addition to his writing, Strachan is also involved in various charitable activities, using his platform to support causes close to his heart, such as literacy and historical preservation. Today, Gordon Strachan stands as one of Scotland's most respected literary figures, leaving a lasting impact on the world of fiction with his riveting tales and deep love for history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."

This quote emphasizes the power individuals have in managing their own stress levels by consciously controlling their thoughts. When faced with stress, people can deliberately choose to focus on positive or calming thoughts rather than negative ones, thereby reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. Essentially, it suggests that our thoughts are a personal resource for coping with life's challenges.


"Success is all about hard work and preparation. If you work hard and prepare, then luck will find you."

This quote by Gordon Strachan emphasizes that success stems from hard work and thorough preparation. It suggests that while luck may play a role in outcomes, it is not something one can rely on or actively pursue. Instead, the focus should be on putting in the effort and ensuring readiness, as this increases the chances of being in the right place at the right time when opportunities present themselves. In essence, success is a product of diligence, determination, and being well-prepared, which opens doors to good fortune.


"I don't believe in talent. I believe in hard work, determination, and a bit of luck."

This quote by Gordon Strachan emphasizes that natural ability or "talent" alone is not sufficient for success; instead, it is the combination of dedication, perseverance, and a touch of good fortune (luck) that truly shapes one's achievements. In other words, talent needs to be nurtured through consistent hard work and determination in order to realize its full potential.


"Football is not about perfection; it's about progression. You can always improve, no matter how good you are."

This quote underscores the continuous nature of growth and improvement in football (soccer). It suggests that striving for perfection might be unattainable, but continuous progress is achievable for any team or player. The message encourages a mindset that views every game, practice, or experience as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and get better – no matter the current skill level or success. This quote emphasizes the journey over the destination in football, inspiring teams and players to focus on their development rather than chasing an unreachable ideal of perfection.


"The best players are the ones who make everyone else better."

This quote by Gordon Strachan emphasizes the importance of teamwork and leadership in sports. It suggests that exceptional players not only showcase their individual skills but also positively influence those around them, elevating the overall performance of the team. By mentoring, guiding, and motivating others, these "best players" create a harmonious environment conducive to collective success.


Fitness is a curve. You can be Lance Armstrong, or you can be really out of shape at the opposite end. People enter the curve wherever they are and then they can move up the curve, by better nutrition and better exercise.

- Gordon Strachan

Fitness, Move, Armstrong, None

I'm afraid that this is me getting on my high horse now but we have yob television, yob newspapers, and funny enough whereas it was my mum and dad, school, police, church who used to set the standards, now it's tabloids and yob television who set the standards by which people live.

- Gordon Strachan

Mum, Tabloids, Dad, Mum And Dad

I've seen teams spend £150 million and get nowhere near the Champions League. It has taken Manchester City a billion to get there. There are no guarantees.

- Gordon Strachan

Teams, Champions League, Manchester

I did think there were one or two referees who had a personal thing against me. It wasn't them versus Celtic - it was them against me! I just think they wanted to take me on.

- Gordon Strachan

Think, Against, Had, Versus

Sometimes to go forward you've got to go to the depths of your own personal despair and claw yourself back. From that point, no matter what happens, you know you can do it.

- Gordon Strachan

Forward, Sometimes, Own, Depths

I get the feeling a lot of politicians are there to help themselves financially, first and foremost. I don't really need to do that, and I thought if I could do something for sport in Scotland, that would be really fulfilling.

- Gordon Strachan

Thought, Need, Could, Financially

I get the feeling a lot of politicians are there to help themselves financially, first and foremost.

- Gordon Strachan

Help, Get, Lot, Financially

People talk about footballers and they get a bad press when not all of them deserve it.

- Gordon Strachan

Deserve, Bad, Footballers, Bad Press

It took me 35 years of being involved at a decent level of football to become manager at a great club like Celtic.

- Gordon Strachan

Manager, Level, Took, Celtic

I'm a better coach now than when I joined Celtic. The longer you stay in any job, the better you become. If you lose your drive, your enthusiasm, your imagination, that experience is no good.

- Gordon Strachan

Lose, Your, Joined, Celtic

I think what I've actually achieved as a manager does sometimes get a bit overlooked, because all people think about is the media side of things. They tend to forget I've not done so bad.

- Gordon Strachan

Sometimes, Bad, I Think, All People

Do I miss football in Scotland? It keeps you really alive, that's for sure. Your heartbeat fluctuates. I'm flatlining at the moment which is actually quite nice but you need to go up and down to stay alive.

- Gordon Strachan

Alive, Heartbeat, Your, Up And Down

People think I've got a problem with the press. Actually I have no problem with the press, but just like in football there are a handful who cause problems because they're disrespectful, they're lazy, and above all - and this is what really gets to me - they haven't worked hard to get there.

- Gordon Strachan

Lazy, Got, Cause, Disrespectful

I'm just going to crumble like a wreck. I'll go home, become an alcoholic and maybe! jump of a bridge.

- Gordon Strachan

Going, Go Home, Crumble, Bridge

I like to be able to control which players I'm working with. Because it doesn't matter how good a coach you are if the guys you're working with think they already know it all. You need a response, you need to feel they're trying. I want players who are always striving to improve.

- Gordon Strachan

Striving, Matter, Feel, Response

I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yogurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today.

- Gordon Strachan

Think, Date, Yogurt, Finish

I've been in football a long time and people have problems through debt, drugs, drink and family.

- Gordon Strachan

Football, Through, Been, Debt

The reason I became a manager was to have full control over training. If you are a coach, you are bound by what the manager wants you to coach. The other reason is that I just like the company of football people.

- Gordon Strachan

Reason, Over, Became, Coach

I've had to take a lot of stick down the years but the one thing that really got to me was when someone questioned my integrity. It's the one thing that really grates with you.

- Gordon Strachan

Down, One Thing, Had, Questioned

All the really good players I know, they all knew right from wrong. So many of them don't learn that at home nowadays.

- Gordon Strachan

Learn, Knew, Players, Nowadays

Believe me, you need good people if you want to make good players.

- Gordon Strachan

Want, Need, Players, Good People

I want players who are always striving to improve.

- Gordon Strachan

Improve, Always, Players, Striving

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