McClaren poised to pledge future to Boro
Steve McClaren is set to announce his long-term commitment to Middlesbrough later today.
The 44-year-old will hold a press conference at the club this afternoon when he is expected to confirm a new four-year deal with Boro, a contract which has been under negotiation for several months.
McClaren has been an assistant to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson during international breaks and has been tipped as the Swede’s eventual successor, leading to speculation over his future at the Riverside.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson has always backed his boss – who was previously in the backroom staff under Alex Ferguson at Manchester United – after leading the club to its first major trophy and their highest Premiership finish.
Winning the Carling Cup in 2004 also took the club into Europe and Boro were knocked out of the UEFA Cup at the last-16 stage, losing out to Sporting Lisbon who went on to reach the final.
Last season Boro reached the UEFA Cup again, this time through their finish in the Premier League, although that did not stop speculation about McClaren’s future after an inconsistent start to the current campaign.
Gibson spoke in support of his manager earlier in the season, stating his ambition to keep McClaren at the club.
“We know we are doing things the right way and in Steve McClaren we have a manager who can deliver, as he has done in the past,” Gibson said.
“There are good reasons why Steve was taken on by Alex Ferguson, by Jim Smith and as Sven-Goran Eriksson’s number two with England.
“It’s because of his eye for detail, his experience at the highest level and also his ability as a manager. These are the reasons why he is manager of Middlesbrough.”
