Plea to fans on Strach attack

Apr 27 2008 By Gavin Berry

FORMER Celtic star Joe Miller has told Old Firm fans to grow up and lay off Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith.

Miller can't believe the stick dished out to the gaffers of Scotland's two biggest clubs this season.

And he reckons the pair deserve major credit rather than criticism for their work under severe pressure thatwill provide a platform for years of success.

Gers boss Smith goes head to head with Hoops rival Strachan at Parkhead today with the SPL title at stake.

And Miller wants both sets of supporters to salute their side's overall progress, especially in Europe, instead of sniping about tactics and player selection.

The ex-Celtic winger said: "There are a lot of immature fans. They don't have the knowledge you gain over the years about how to win matches and plan a strategy during a season, who you're going to play and how you set up your team.

"Walter and Gordon are great tacticians who've used that to their advantage in Europe and at home this season.

"They've done well and come in for unfair criticism because some fans will only see it their way.

"But from a purely football perspective they have both done well and are trying to build something longer term.

"Next year they'll be looking to improve more. And Rangers supporters will want to go further in the Champions League because if they get to a European final this season it would be a huge bonus for Scottish football."

Miller insists expectations are so high for Strachan that some Celtic fans believe he should win the Champions League.

He said: "The pressure's on Gordon because expectation among the supporters has become so high they must win the league and cups every year.

"Talking to some fans you'd think they expect to win the Champions League as well.

"The criticism and speculation is crazy because Gordon has been superb since he came in.

"Look at what he has achieved, even this year. Gordon is building something special."