Gordon Strachan: I wanted ''something different''

Gordon Strachan says he has joined Middlesbrough in search of ''something different'' from his previous managerial experiences.

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Gordon Strachan: Former Celtic manager is new Boro boss.

The former Celtic, Southampton and Coventry boss was unveiled at Middlesbrough - who last week dismissed Gareth Southgate following the club's relegation to the Championship last season.

Asked why he decided Middlesbrough was now the club for him, the 52-year-old said: ''I don't need to be here, I don't have to be here. I'm here because I want to be here.

''When I left Celtic I told everyone close to me that it would be very difficult for me to retrace my steps in terms of the excitement there. I felt I had to do something different. I have a chance of something different here.''

Describing his new position as a ''special job'', he cited the board's commitment to stick with the managers they appoint as a telling factor in his decision to go to the Riverside.

''I also know you get time here, and the stability of the club means you have the chance to develop things the way you would like to see them develop,'' he pointed out. Celtic was fantastic, and I hope it can be as enjoyable here.''

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb is delighted that the club have secured the services the Scotsman. Strachan's first game in charge will be against Plymouth on Saturday, and Lamb is predicting a long and successful era with the Scot at the helm.

"We're delighted that Gordon has agreed to join us as our new manager," he told the club's official website. "Gordon has a wealth of experience as a player and as a manager. The experience will be of great help to the club, particularly to our younger players. Nurture

"For a club like ours, with a wealth of talented young footballers, whose careers are ahead of them, Gordon will be invaluable in ensuring they get every last ounce out of their potential. That can only be a good thing for the players themselves and Middlesbrough Football Club.

"He is a character and I think everybody, from the chairman down over, will enjoy working with him," he added. "Certainly I doubt there'll be many dull days at the football club."

Strachan won three Scottish Premier League titles in four years at Celtic Park after spells with Coventry and Southampton - where he guided the Saints to an eighth-place Premier League finish and European qualification after an FA Cup final appearance against Arsenal in the 2002-03 season.