Peterborough United assistant manager says he couldn’t turn Celtic move down, but will Kevin Russell now be returning to London Road?

Peterborough United have today (June 22) confirmed assistant manager Gavin Strachan’s departure to Scottish Premier League champions Celtic.
Gavin Strachan.Gavin Strachan.
Gavin Strachan.

The Peterborough Telegraph revealed on Saturday (June 20) that Strachan would become first-team coach at Celtic to help the club attempt to win 10 Premier Division titles in a row next season.

Strachan (41) worked alongside at Darren Ferguson at Doncaster and then Posh. He also made 26 playing appearances for Posh in two spells between 2003 & 2008.

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Strachan said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed to this position with Celtic. It’s a giant of a club and a real iconic footballing institution. This really is an opportunity I could simply not turn down. I am hugely excited about the challenges ahead.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson with his assistant Kevin Russell (right) in 2007.Posh manager Darren Ferguson with his assistant Kevin Russell (right) in 2007.
Posh manager Darren Ferguson with his assistant Kevin Russell (right) in 2007.

“The club has had a phenomenal run of success in recent years and I know everyone at Celtic and our supporters will be doing all we can, together, to keep this run going.

“I know we are looking ahead to a really exciting season and for me personally, it is a great time to join this brilliant club.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon added: “We are delighted to bring Gavin to Celtic, he is a brilliant appointment for us and someone I know will work really well with myself, John Kennedy, the players and the rest of our backroom team.

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“We had a number of options for the role, but Gavin was the outstanding candidate. He is a really talented, experienced, hard working and respected coach and I know he has the right qualities to make a great contribution to the club.

Posh have received a compensation package for Strachan.

Ferguson has already started his hunt for Strachan’s successor with his former Posh assistant Kevin Russell reportedly in the frame. The pair helped Posh to back-to-back promotions in 2007-08 & 2008-09.

Russell is currently Under 23 manager at Stoke.