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Steve McClaren takes over Dutch side FC Twente

20/06/2008

Former England coach Steve McClaren has been named the new boss of Dutch side FC Twente.

The ex-Middlesbrough manager has signed a two-year contract to take the reins at FC Twente, who finished fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie last season.

Having seen his managerial stock plummet since failing to guide England to Euro 2008, McClaren had been linked with the vacant manager's position at Blackburn Rovers.

But in a statement released to the media on Friday morning, Sir Alex Ferguson's former right-hand man has confirmed he is to manage the Dutch side, who are through to the Champions League qualifying rounds.

"I have accepted a two-year contract to be the new manager of FC Twente in Holland," he revealed.

"It's an exciting new phase in my managerial career and I can't wait to take up the challenge.

"My assistant will be Eric ten Hag and I look forward to working with him and the players."

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

FC Twente's chairman Joop Munsterman admitted many fans were unsure about McClaren's calibre.

"Ninety per cent of fans think why him? But he is used to working with top players," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

McClaren, 47, admitted this morning that he had sought the advice of former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, who also managed Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, before accepting the FC Twente position.