HE told Alex Ferguson where to get off and lived to tell the tale - plus a few others in a book offering a frank and often wry take on British football.
Last night, his wit was in evidence when Celtic manager Gordon Strachan let an audience in on his point of view - and there was no-one to banish him to the stand.
His autobiography, My Life in Football, is just out and the event in Glasgow was part of the Glenmorangie Herald Book Series 2006.
Respected by footballers and fans for his honesty, sense ofhumour and knowledge, Strachan entertained an audience of more than 220 with an account of his career, as a player - for an astonishing 23 years - and a manager, and offered an intriguing insight into the figures who have shaped his life in the game.
That included Alex Ferguson - his boss at Aberdeen and Manchester United. Strachan also offered insights into his managerial career - the stress and pressure that goes with the job; the effects on family life, the abuse from fans; the pressure for results.
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