The former Aberdeen and Celtic striker took the reins at the Fir Park club last summer and has overseen a turbulent 12 months.
Strachan aided McGhee in the early weeks of his tenure and provided support following the death of Motherwell skipper Phil O'Donnell.
McGhee: "Gordon's been a very important friend for me. From the day I arrived last summer he gave me his house for five weeks. I had the run of the place.
"It made such a big difference for me as I started the job at Motherwell and it made it easy for me to integrate myself at the club and get started.
"Then, of course, having Gordon close by meant he was a great ally.
"We supported each other through the Phil O'Donnell and Tommy Burns tragedies.
"We all needed the season to end. It was a hard season emotionally, with Phil's death. Then, of course, at the end of the season there was Tommy's death.
"That was equally tragic for me, given that Tommy was a good friend. So it was an unbelievable season."
*1977/91 M.E.McGhee 99/13 36
Two spells at Newcastle and they couldn't possibly have been so different. He came from Morton for £150,000 and looked as though he had the skill to make it, but always failed to deliver. He lacked strength and pace. But he went to Aberdeen and became a superstar. Capped by Scotland, he won Scottish Championships and Scottish Cups with both Aberdeen and Celtic. As well as European Cup Winners Cup medal with Aberdeen. Signed for Newcastle for £200,000 and hit it off with Micky Quinn straight away.