McClaren signs Middlesbrough deal
Friday, January 27, 2006
Article summary
Steve McClaren has signed a new contract as Middlesbrough FC manager, committing him to the English Premiership club until 2009.
Article body
First honour
The 44-year-old took over at Middlesbrough in 2001, having previously been Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United FC. Three years later he led Middlesbrough to victory in the English League Cup, their first major honour, and has taken them past the UEFA Cup group stage in the last two seasons, the club's only European campaigns.
'Excellent working relationship'
Although McClaren and chairman Steve Gibson had agreed a deal in November, a "taxation issue" delayed the signing until now. "Myself and the chairman have had an excellent working relationship over the last four and a half years," McClaren said. "Last November we agreed the deal to take me to 2009. That for us was as good as signing on the dotted line."
Stuttgart tie
However, McClaren, who is also England assistant coach, refused to discuss the possibility of succeeding Sven-Göran Eriksson after the FIFA World Cup. "I don't speculate and don't comment on hypothetical situations," he said. Middlesbrough, struggling in the Premiership, meet VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 on 16 and 23 February.
