Steve McClaren has responded to comments from Jonathan Greening.
Steve McClaren has responded to comments from former Middlesbrough midfielder Jonathan Greening.
The West Brom midfielder claimed a number of Boro players were unhappy with their manager but the Riverside boss insists nothing is further from the truth.
McClaren is developing a siege mentality on Teesside after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend sparked protests from a section of the club's support.
"It disappoints me," he told Sky Sports News. "Jonathan Greening was a very good football player, I thought, for this club.
"We brought him over from Manchester United reserves, gave him an opportunity in the Premier League and he did very well.
"He was was always a great lad around the place, a great professional to work with, a delight and a nice lad.
"So obviously I haven't read the comments but I've heard them and it disappoints me."
McClaren was also unhappy with a story suggesting George Boateng had been offered a new pay deal which has angered other senior professionals.
"It seems to be rife at the moment," he argued. "That story was a perfect example - George Boateng signed a contract worth that amount of money and there was unrest amongst senior players because he's signed it.
"Absolute load of rubbish. That's coming externally.
"There's nothing coming from the dressing room, it's a siege mentality and we're the only ones who can put it right and we will put it right.
"I know Jonathan Greening very well, this club does and I suppose, in some respects, it's disappointing.
"West Brom are relegation rivals and are obviously trying to get an edge."
