Steve McClaren was named as the new England manager, in succession to Sven-Goran Eriksson, by the Football Association (FA) on Thursday.
The Middlesbrough manager, currently Eriksson’s deputy in the England set-up, will take over from the Swede following the World Cup finals in Germany and will take up his new role from August 1 on a four-year contract.
”This is the biggest honour that any coach can have and is obviously the highlight of my career. It’s a massive challenge and one that I welcome. I have hugely enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough and am very grateful to the club,” said McClaren.
”However, this was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. My immediate priority is next week’s Uefa Cup final with Boro, and then working with Sven and his coaching team to achieve success in Germany this summer, before I turn my thoughts to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign”
McClaren was selected by the nominations committee, composed of FA chief executive Brian Barwick, FA chairperson Geoff Thompson, Dave Richards, Noel White and David Dein, with Sir Trevor Brooking, the former England midfielder, in an advisory role.
The appointment was unanimously agreed by Thursday’s FA board meeting.
McClaren has been part of the England set-up since October 2000 as assistant coach to Sven-Goran Eriksson, excluding a period between October 2002 and May 2004.
He was a member of the coaching team at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan and Euro 2004 in Portugal, and will also be in Germany with England this summer.
McClaren (45) has been Middlesbrough manager since 2001. During this time he led the club to their first major honour, the League Cup in 2004, and next week’s Uefa Cup Final against Sevilla.
Barwick said: ”I’m delighted to be able to announce Steve’s appointment today [Thursday]. He has shown himself to be a top-class coach for both country and club, leading Middlesbrough to the most successful period in the club’s history.
”He is the only current English manager in the Premiership to have won a major trophy.
”Steve is highly respected within the game, has a wealth of international experience and ensures continuity within the England team set-up. I would also like to express my gratitude to Middlesbrough FC, and the other candidates and clubs involved, for their cooperation throughout this process.”
Meanwhile, Eriksson said: ”I’m obviously very pleased for Steve, but also for the England team. I have worked closely with Steve ever since I came to England and know how good a coach he is.
”He is well-liked and well-respected by the players and staff. I have no doubt that he has all the credentials to be very successful in the job and wish him all the best.
”I said that I didn’t want the next England coach to be with the team at the World Cup, unless he was already involved in the set-up. Steve is a key part of my coaching staff and I’m delighted to have him with us in Germany.” — AFP
