Will Gavin become a chip off the old block?

Gavin Strachan didn’t attempt to emulate his dad when he was an aspiring footballer.

After all, his old man set the bar high, winning 50 Scotland caps, European medals with Aberdeen and League and Cup gongs on both sides of the border with the Dons, Manchester United and Leeds United.

But the 34-year-old is now hoping to take a similar career path as his legendary father, Scotland manager Gordon, with a move into management.

It might not have been Strachan Junior’s intention to seek a career in the dug-out.

While most present-day players start to prepare for becoming a manager or coach long before they hang up their boots, Gavin is one of the few exceptions.

In fact, you almost get the feeling he was somewhat reluctant to do so to begin with.

However, that has changed over time and the Peterborough youth coach is eager to continue with his footballing education.

“I’ve certainly now got the bug,” admitted Strachan. “It’s almost a case of the more you learn, the more you want to learn.

“I need to be honest and say didn’t see myself working towards a career in football management.

“If you had asked me a few of years ago if I fancied becoming a football manager, the answer would have been no.

“There was absolutely no chance I pictured myself doing that.

“But things change, and the more time I spend in the game, the more I want to be involved. Maybe at some point I would like to try to become a manager.”

It’s only natural however unfair it is to make comparisons between Gavin and his dad.

As a youngster trying to make his way in the game, he was realistic enough to appreciate the likelihood of him enjoying as successful a career as his dad was practically impossible.

Gordon was an influential member of the highly-successful Aberdeen side which lifted the European Cup-Winners’ Cup and Super Cup, as well as countless domestic honours.

Having followed Sir Alex Ferguson down to Manchester United, he went on to enjoy a five-year spell at Old Trafford before moving to Leeds United and hanging up his boots at Coventry City.

By his own admission, Gavin never came close to achieving that level of success.

And he also knows he would be every bit as hard pushed to match his old man’s achievements as a manager.

But that is the thing. He isn’t trying to match his father’s achievements and never has and it appears Gavin won’t take one particular leaf out of his dad’s guide to management!

Famed for making life difficult for interviewees over the years, there is no sign of Strachan Senior’s traits in the man who managed to earn eight Under-21 caps for Scotland.

“Before I was offered an apprenticeship with Leeds United, I was actually looking into a career in the media,” said Gavin.

“When I was at school, I went on work experience to a newspaper and I’ve always enjoyed writing.

“I didn’t earn enough money during my playing career to allow me not to work again, so when I started looking towards the future, that is why I did a degree in sports journalism.

“But as things transpired, I got involved in football.

“I was asked to take some coaching sessions. I then started up a football foundation and Darren Ferguson Sir Alex’s son! eventually offered me the job I’m in just now.”

It doesn’t take long to discover just how passionate Gavin is about his football these days.

Indeed, earlier this month Strachan used a family holiday to Spain to add to his footballing knowledge when he took in an Under-20 match between Egypt and Montenegro.

“I only managed to get away with that one because there was a massive shopping complex close to the stadium,” laughed Strachan.

“The wife enjoyed shopping while my son and I went to the game!

“You learn something from every game you watch, and it’s beneficial to watch teams from different countries.

“As it turned out, Egypt were one of the teams we were studying last week in Turkey, as part of the SFA’s pro-licence course.

“We travelled there to take in some of the group matches at the Under-20 World Cup, and it was great.

“It covers everything from tactical information and situations out on the training pitch to learning how to deal with members of the Board, which is something every manager has to do.

“I’ve completed all my coaching badges. However, this course helps prepare you for becoming a manager.

“There has been a good bond between the lads on the course, and everyone has tried to help each other. It has been non-stop.

“I got to my bed at 3am after writing up a report from a match we’d taken in, and I was back up at 8.30am for breakfast and to get back to finishing off my report within the deadline. You then have to do a presentation in front of the rest of the group.

“I was chatting with Jim Fleeting, who runs the course, and he was saying even he’s still learning and picking up new things.

“When you think of the amount of years he has been in the game, it just shows you how much there is to learn.

“I’m the same as all the other guys on the course. I want to learn and I want to add this qualification to my CV.

“I’m lucky enough to have a job I really enjoy at Peterborough.

“I’m quite a relaxed character, but when someone pushes certain buttons, I can change as some of the younger guys at our club will testify.

“But I enjoy trying to make them better players. I remain close to the ones who have progressed through the ranks.

“Further down the line who knows? Maybe I’ll become a manager. Time will tell.”

But what will his father say!