We're ready for next step - McClaren
Steve McClaren believes he has finally built a squad capable of challenging for honours after Juninho agreed to a third spell at the Riverside Stadium.
Juninho’s signing follows those of Massimo Maccarone, George Boateng, Franck Queudrue and Geremi over the close season and McClaren is confident he has ‘‘improved the squad dramatically’’.
He said: ‘‘I think last season we got our house in order off the field and progressed on it.
‘‘Because of that we’ve made enough room (for signings), and the chairman has done a fantastic job providing the resources to provide players I think will take us another step forward.
‘‘I’m delighted with the quality of players we’ve signed. Last season we got to base one, finished 12th and reached the FA Cup semi-finals. Now we want to do better.
‘‘I believe we have improved the squad dramatically. I think we’re better but we still have a lot of work to do.’’
