McClaren goes Dutch

[Kop66]

Former England boss Steve McClaren has agreed a two-year deal to manage Dutch side FC Twente.

"I'm delighted to be back in club management and looking forward to meeting staff and players," McClaren told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Dutch league and the Champions League qualifiers."

The chairman of FC Twente has previously admitted that some fans of the club are against the appointment.

"Ninety per cent of fans think why him? But he is used to working with top players," said Joop Munsterman.

Twente finished fourth last season to secure a place in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time.

"I noted from the first meeting with chairman Joop Munsterman and other people at the club that they were very co-operative," McClaren said.

"It's an exciting time for the club, they were very successful under Fred Rutten (now at Bundesliga side Schalke) and I cannot wait to start."

McClaren, who has had spells as Middlesbrough manager and number two to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, has been out of the game since being sacked by England in November after failing to secure a place at Euro 2008.

The 47-year-old, who had been linked to the vacant manager's position at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, also told the BBC that he sought the advice of former PSV Eindhoven and England boss Sir Bobby Robson before accepting the role.

"He also told me that FC Twente is a fantastic club and that I would feel at home.

"I am excited to be working again at a club that fits me well. I am looking forward to this new challenge."

BBC Radio 5 Live's Ian Dennis, who worked alongside McClaren during the Euro 2008 Championship, said: "I sensed his hunger and desire to get back into management.

"He is looking forward to the challenge. It is a shrewd move, an opportunity to rebuild his career away from these shores.

"He has taken advice from Sir Bobby Robson, who did exactly the same. Steve McClaren is fiercely ambitious and cannot wait to get started."

Nobody want him in the English leagues then? Good luck to him i say , i think he'll need it though.

[ONEDUNME]

The 47-year-old, who had been linked to the vacant manager's position at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, also told the BBC that he sought the advice of former PSV Eindhoven and England boss Sir Bobby Robson before accepting the role.

Which shows that his decision making processes haven't improved any. Call me cynical but I always think that if you're seeking a bit of sound advice, you could do rather better than consulting a senile geriatric.

I suppose there was a clue in his autobiography in the chapter " Queen mother advised me to take Theo Walcott"

[slick]

this has just reminded me about a song Talksport created when he got sacked from the England job to the tune of Rhianna's 'under my umberella' the wife keeps harping on about and i've not heard yet, Any links to it greatly appreciated.

aye further the way the fcuking better where he's concerened, he may be a decent coach but manager he is not, he worked with Fergie for a yr or two and thought he was the dogs.
At least Brian Kidd accepted he was shite.

FA are just as bad for employing him, pity we can't send those fcukers to Holland too.

[Kop66]

Call me cynical but I always think that if you're seeking a bit of sound advice, you could do rather better than consulting a senile geriatric.

At least Brian Kidd accepted he was shite.

The chairman of FC Twente has previously admitted that some fans of the club are against the appointment.

"Ninety per cent of fans think why him?

He's quite fanless isnt he really, he'd be better of at Millwall... Nobody likes us, we dont care .

[AnothrSpacecat]

they are in the champions league next year ffs

really good team, solid boring and professional, can shut out anybody.

they were last year at least

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

I think its a decent job for McLaren.

Bit of a no lose job for him as if Twente do poorly it isnt going to really affect his career too much as nobody expects too much.

If he can get them into the CL proper though it will be good achievement and he will get some CL experience.

[ONEDUNME]

The chairman of FC Twente has previously admitted that some fans of the club are against the appointment.

"Ninety per cent of fans think why him?

What is ninety percent of Twente?