McClaren axed by FA (From The Northern Echo)

McClaren axed by FA

10:05am Thursday 22nd November 2007 in

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STEVE McClaren was today sacked as England manager, the Football Association announced.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who gets your vote as the next England manager? Was it simply a case of poor management or are other problems within the England setup to blame for the team's failure to qualify?

A hastily arranged FA board meeting at Soho Square rubber-stamped McClaren's departure after just 18 games in charge, the shortest tenure of any coach in the post.

McClaren's time in office came to a humiliating end last night with a 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley which ended England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008.

FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "At a meeting of the FA board this morning the FA board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of England head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.

"We have also terminated the contract of assistant Terry Venables, also with immediate effect."

Thompson promised the FA will conduct a root and branch review of the England team set-up, to be led by chief executive Brian Barwick and which will begin with immediate effect.

Thompson added: "The chief executive has been given authority to identify a new head coach and will report to the board with his recommendations.

"There is no definite time frame for an appointment of the new head coach."

Thompson told a press conference televised live by Sky Sports News: "Like every England fan, we are bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify. I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.

"Of course, we have no divine right to play in any major tournament - but it is quite right that qualification is expected.

"I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done. His commitment to the job cannot be questioned, and I wish him the best for the future."