"He didn’t really man-manage the players who were there," he revealed. "He lost the love in the changing room very early."

A few months later, Strachan rang him looking to reunite at Boro where he was now coaching and Macca –and Celtic – snapped up the chance.

“Did I leave too soon? Yes, 100 per cent. But the money was too good to turn down. Simple as that."

Nine months later though, Strachan left – and was replaced, again, by Mowbray.

"How’s your luck eh? Of all the people. Look, it was a low," said McDonald. “But it was a different situation for the two of us now. 

“It was easier for us to get along when we were not in the fire at Celtic any more. There weren’t the same pressure points on our relationship any more and we got on better for that.

“He realised I was a better player than he thought I was and I realised he was a better manager than I had given him credit for.”

Now he's hoping to carve out a new career in television – but still harbours hopes of beginning a career in coaching.

“I’m enjoying the broadcast stuff and if this is the road I go down I might even look to do some presenting," he told the Record. "I think I’m articulate enough to do that. I’d quite like to emulate Gary Lineker.

“But I also have ambitions in football. Everyone knows I spent my career telling everyone else what to do so it’s probably a natural progression.

"I’d like the chance to look after other people and not just focus on myself. I really do believe I could get the best out of players if I was given a chance.

“One of the reasons I’ve decided to leave the game is because people can’t deal with the demands any more. Everyone wants to be cuddled.

“The modern player wants
 to be told how good he is and the modern manager needs tranquility within the dressing room. It’s getting ridiculous. Don’t tell me you’re trying your best, I want to see more from you.

“It seems like the game has gone a bit soft. The thing is, if you don’t have that fire in your belly to succeed you’re never going to be a winner.”