McClaren named Twente boss

Former England boss takes post with Dutch club

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 20th June 2008

McClaren named Twente boss

McClaren: Twente post

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Former England boss Steve McClaren has been appointed as the new manager of Eredivisie outfit FC Twente on a two-year deal.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss was sacked by the Football Association in November after failing to guide the national side to the Euro 2008 finals.

McClaren was interviewed for the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers in the past few days, but has now elected to take up the role in Holland.

Challenge

He told Sky Sports News: "I have this morning accepted a two-year contract to become the new manager of FC Twente in Holland.

"This is an exciting new phase of my managerial career and I can't wait to take up the challenge.

"From the moment I met the club president Mr (Joop) Munsterman and his staff, I knew this was the right club for me.

"My assistant will be Erik ten Hag and I'm very much looking forward to working with him and the players.

"Last season was very exciting for the club having qualified for the third round qualifiers for this season's Champions League.

"It's great to be back in management and I'm relishing the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead."

McClaren made his name in club management at Middlesbrough after serving so successfully as Sir Alex Ferguson's No.2 at Manchester United.

He brought Boro the 2004 Carling Cup and two European campaigns, the second of which took them to Uefa Cup final in 2006, where they were beaten by Sevilla in Eindhoven.

But England's dismal failure to make Euro 2008 following a 3-2 Wembley defeat by Croatia brought a premature end to his disappointing international reign.

Robson

McClaren takes over from Fred Rutten, who has joined Bundesliga side Schalke.

He added on the club's official website: "I would like to say to the fans, about whom I have heard a lot, that we will do everything we can to bring the club further success.

"(Former PSV Eindhoven boss) Sir Bobby Robson told me that this would be a nice challenge for me. He also told me that FC Twente is a fantastic club and that I would feel at home."

And Twente chairman Munsterman said: "We have searched for a long time to find the successor for trainer Rutten, but we have not been nervous.

"It is important for FC Twente to continue the technical policy that has been so clearly defined.

"With Steve McClaren, the feeling was good from both sides. In the first instance, it didn't seem possible to make a deal. However, this week, that deal has been made and we are all delighted."