Strachan defiant over Petrov
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has hinted he will not be railroaded into selling Stilian Petrov.
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has hinted he will not be railroaded into selling Stilian Petrov after the Bulgarian star shocked The Bhoys by handing in a transfer request.With the Glasgow giants having won the SPL title and CIS Insurance Cup, Petrov handed in a written transfer request that was promptly rejected by the Celtic Park powerbrokers.
Petrov has signalled his intention to move to England, with Fulham and Everton believed to be interested, but Strachan signalled his determination to keep hold of his star midfielder by recounting a tale from his own playing career.
"As I've said for two days now in 1982 I asked for a move from Aberdeen and I was told to go forth and multiply by the then manager Alex Ferguson and I stayed for another two years so that's what can happen in football," Strachan told Sky Sports.
"Until someone says here's a huge offer, here's this that is right for everyone then Stilian...the thing is I know about Stilian you saw today [in a 0-0 draw with Rangers] that it does not matter if he has asked for a transfer or not he will still give maximum and that's all you can ask from a player."
Looking ahead to next season after picking up his award for being named Scottish Football Writers' Association Manager of the Year, Strachan also indicated he expected a renewed challenge from his SPL rivals after sauntering to the title this season.
"We need to improve for next year without a doubt, without a shadow of a doubt," Strachan continued.
"Hearts will get stronger, they will spend more money, Rangers will get stronger, if Hibs can get all their players fit they will get stronger, so we need to improve that's for sure."
