Peterhead have just sealed the League Two title and secured promotion to League One under the leadership of co-managers Ryan Strachan and Jordan Brown. I sat down with Ryan Strachan to discuss the pride in the squad’s success, his journey from player to co-manager, and what lies ahead for the club.
First of all, congratulations on winning League Two and securing promotion to League One. How proud are you of this achievement for the club as a whole as well as the players and staff involved?
“There’s an immense sense of pride and satisfaction, no doubt about it. It’s been a relentless campaign – neck and neck the whole way – with East Fife pushing us right to the wire, so to finally get over the line is a huge relief.
“The players have been outstanding from start to finish. They’ve risen to every challenge, shown respect to every opponent, and delivered consistently high-level performances. Week in, week out, they’ve travelled the length of the country and given absolutely everything. They fully deserve this success, as much as anyone connected with the club. It’s been a fantastic collective achievement.”
On the back of that success, you and Jordan Brown – fellow co-manager – have signed new three-year deals to stay at the club. How important is that continuity?
“It’s a massive moment for the club. Negotiations had been ongoing for a few months, but naturally, they took a back seat while we focused on the season. Once the campaign wrapped up, we were able to finalise things quickly.
“Securing this deal gives the club real stability and allows us to build on the strong foundations we’ve laid. I’m absolutely delighted to be staying for another three years, and we’re optimistic that the success we’ve achieved so far can continue.”
Having both been experienced first team players at Peterhead, was there any hesitation or an extra sense of pressure in stepping up to lead the dressing room as co-managers, particularly among former teammates?
“It was definitely a strange transition. Around two and a half seasons ago, things weren’t going well. Jim McInally had stepped down, Davie Robertson had a tough spell, and then the vice-chairman approached me to take the team – just for a week initially. It wasn’t something I could turn down. We ended up seeing out the rest of the season as interim managers, and although we were ultimately relegated, we decided to put our names forward for the job permanently.
“At that point, we had no coaching badges and no formal experience in football management – just real-world experience of management within our respective day jobs. We put together a three to four-year plan, and thankfully, the board chose to back us. We’ve been rewarded for that faith, and the club has as well.”
Looking back, do you believe that the management experience that you gained outside of football helped you adapt quickly to the role of co-manager?
“Absolutely. As a senior player, you already have a clear sense of what you want from a manager – how training should be structured, how communication should work, and how the game should be played. But beyond football, our experiences managing people, handling budgets, and making difficult decisions in everyday life proved invaluable.
“In the beginning, our focus was simply on making the team competitive. Then we used the summer window as an opportunity to fully implement our vision. The club had been stuck in a negative spiral, and we oversaw a significant squad overhaul. We were smart in the market – and, of course, we had a bit of luck on our side too.”
How do you and Jordan split the managerial responsibilities day-to-day?
“It’s a genuine 50-50 partnership. We’re in constant dialogue – not just about football, either. We make a conscious effort to keep things light at times, whether that’s chatting about golf or sharing a laugh over a night out. But when it comes to the serious stuff – training, tactics, recruitment – we plan everything together.
“Once we’ve aligned on our approach, we pass it on to Jamie McNee to deliver. Afterward, we debrief, make adjustments, and all key decisions are made collectively. If there’s ever any uncertainty, we bring Jamie in to help make the final call.”
Speaking of Jamie McNee, he has become an integral part of your coaching setup. How significant has his appointment been in shaping the staff dynamic and supporting your overall vision for the team?
“He’s been absolutely instrumental. When we first took over, there was so much that needed addressing – no players, no backroom staff, sponsorships, travel logistics / the whole infrastructure had to be rebuilt from scratch. Appointing Jamie was one of the best decisions we made.
“We interviewed several candidates, but he stood out straight away. Jamie is Glasgow-based which has helped massively with recruitment, but more importantly, he aligned perfectly with our vision. He’s young enough to connect with the modern player, yet grounded in the old-school values that we still believe in. His promotion to assistant manager is thoroughly deserved and reflects the impact he’s had on and off the pitch.”
I’d like to ask about two influential figures in your squad—Peter Pawlett and Rory McAllister.
Peter’s arrival in January 2024 raised a few eyebrows, particularly given he’d spent some time out of the game following a career that included standout spells at clubs like Aberdeen and MK Dons. What has he added to the group, both on and off the pitch?
And with Rory, he’s one of only three players since World War II to have scored 250 league goals in Scottish football—a remarkable achievement. How valuable is his presence, not just in terms of goals, but in setting standards within the squad?
“Peter’s been absolutely massive for us. He’s not the loudest in the room, but his professionalism speaks volumes. We nearly brought him in six months earlier, but it didn’t quite work out at the time. Jordan and I have known him since we were kids, so we sat down over a coffee and pitched our vision to him—our style, the playing surface, our ambitions.
“Initially, we thought he’d come in for six months and then move on, but he told us he wanted to finish his career here. That level of commitment meant a great deal to both us and the board. He’s had an immediate impact on the team, elevating everyone around him, and we’re fortunate to have him for another season.”
“As for Rory, it’s been a tough season physically—he’s at that stage where the mind still wants to do everything, but the body isn’t always in sync. That said, he’s a close friend and undoubtedly one of the best players to ever grace the lower leagues.
“In his prime, if Rory missed a game, it had a psychological effect not just on us, but on the opposition as well. Even now, he remains an imposing presence. He will always be remembered as a legend, both at Peterhead and Cove Rangers. What he’s achieved on the pitch is nothing short of incredible.”
Finally, Ryan, with promotion secured and your new contract signed, what are the realistic goals for Peterhead moving forward?
“In the short term, I’m simply looking forward to a few weeks of rest. Football management is relentless – it’s a 24/7 commitment – so a brief pause is both welcome and necessary.
“Looking ahead, it’s all about progression. We need to make the most of the summer – get recruitment right, set the tone in pre-season, and ensure the players return with the right mentality. League One is a tough, uncompromising environment. Peterhead’s history over the past 12 years – three promotions and three relegations – shows just how volatile it can be. Success demands clear planning, smart decisions, and unwavering focus.
“Once we’ve recharged, we’ll define our targets and build toward them with purpose.”
Featured image: Peterhead Football Club
Callum McFadden 