So, Ryan Strachan, the co-manager and player of Peterhead, has had quite the week with the team being crowned champions of League Two. We had a chat with him for this week’s Q&A feature to reflect on his career highlights. Strachan, who helped lead Peterhead to the title, took a break from the celebrations to share some insights.
Reflecting on his senior debut back in July 2009 in a Challenge Cup tie against Cowdenbeath, Strachan described the experience as fast-paced and overwhelming. He struggled to catch his breath in the physical game, which was a far cry from his youth and reserve football days.
When asked about his career highlight, Strachan didn’t hesitate to mention winning League Two with Peterhead as a manager. The feeling of achieving success in a different role was truly incredible for him. He also shared a special memory of winning promotion from the Highland League with Cove Rangers in 2019, emphasizing his contribution to the team’s journey into the leagues.
Discussing the best player he’s played with, Strachan highlighted Fraser Fyvie for his all-around skills and versatility on the field. He also gave an honorable mention to Rory McAllister, acknowledging the impact McAllister had on the team whenever he was on the pitch.
In terms of tough opponents, Strachan recalled challenging encounters with players like Dado Prso, Rory, and Jon Daly. However, he pointed out David Goodwillie as a particularly formidable opponent in the lower leagues due to his excellent movement and skills.
Moving on to the lighter side of things, Strachan humorously mentioned the new generation players like Kieran Shanks and Blessing Oluyemi for having the worst fashion sense in the dressing room. He described himself as having good leadership qualities but also admitted to being intense and immature at times.
When asked about the best advice he’s received, Strachan emphasized the importance of doing simple things well and consistently, a principle he tries to apply both in his game and in managing the team. He also shared his favorite away grounds, including Ibrox and East End Park, for the memorable experiences he had playing there.
Reflecting on favorite goals, Strachan chose Peter Pawlett’s goal that won them the championship against East Fife, highlighting the relief and significance of the moment as a manager. In a hypothetical scenario of being stranded on a desert island, Strachan humorously picked his friends Rory and Jason Brown as companions due to their similar personalities and shared sense of humor.
Outside of football, Strachan enjoys relaxing with a round of golf to clear his mind and spending time with his family. These activities help him unwind and relieve any stress from his busy football schedule.
With Peterhead’s recent success and Strachan’s reflections on his career highlights, it’s clear that he has had a memorable journey in football, both as a player and a manager. The celebrations may continue, but the hard work and dedication that led to their triumph will always be remembered.
