No-Win Situation For Gazumped Strachan

Last updated : 27 January 2010 By Boro Mad

But, he's in a no-win situation. He obviously does NOT want to do the interviews, but under FA rules these days, it is part of his contract.

However ... the more he says ... the worse it seems to get for Boro.

Newcastle have beaten Middlesbrough to the signing of Queens Park Rangers winger Wayne Routledge, and I honestly believe Chris Hughton didn't even CONSIDER a move for the player until Boro made their move.

There was not a sniff of it on Tyneside or Shepherds Bush, until the deed was done.

Strachan had hoped to sign the 25-year-old after tabling a bid last week, and all seemed to be going well.

The news is a major blow for Boro boss Gordon Strachan as he had made the winger one of his top targets during this month's transfer window.

Routledge has penned a three-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.