'My way' the aim for McClaren
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
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Steve McClaren turned up for his first day of work as England coach on Tuesday stressing that he is "totally different" to predecessor Sven-Göran Eriksson.
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Steve McClaren turned up for his first day of work at Football Association headquarters in London today and immediately claimed he "is going to do it my way".
Full control
The 45-year-old was named England coach in May but had to wait until after the FIFA World Cup to emerge from the shadow of the outgoing Sven-Göran Eriksson, the man he assisted for the previous five years. "It is the start of a great adventure," he told reporters. England's third successive quarter-final exit from a major tournament left huge disappointment in the country and, with a new captain and backroom staff to appoint, there is plenty for McClaren to resolve before England's opening UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier on 2 September.
Captain conundrum
Speaking on his way into work, McClaren said: "I am totally different to Sven. I am going to do it my way. I will be judged on what I do, so I am looking forward to the challenge." He said he has not decided on who will succeed David Beckham as captain, with John Terry and Steven Gerrard the favourites. Former England boss Terry Venables has been tipped to take an advisory coaching role, although Alan Shearer has rejected the chance to work with McClaren.
Lengthy apprenticeship
After a low-key playing career, McClaren came to prominence as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United FC in 1999. His first term was a memorable one as United claimed an unprecedented treble of UEFA Champions League, Premiership and FA Cup, and further league titles followed in 2000 and 2001 before McClaren assumed full coaching duties at Middlesbrough FC in July 2001.
First trophy
He earned a place in the north-east club's history on 29 February 2004 when Middlesbrough ended 128 years of waiting for a trophy by defeating Bolton Wanderers FC in the English League Cup final. He almost matched that achievement during the 2005/06 campaign, his last in charge, by taking his team all the way to the UEFA Cup final, where they lost 4-0 to Sevilla FC in Eindhoven. He will hope for a better result in his next match as a coach, a 16 August friendly against Greece.
