BRYAN ROBSON'S future at Middlesbrough was plunged into doubt last night as Steve McClaren appeared to demand total control at the Riverside - and Terry Venables agreed a five-year extension to his contract with ITV.

The dramatic double development looks to have wrecked Boro chairman Steve Gibson's grand plan to form the trio into a managerial dream team.

Venables, offered the chance to become Boro's football supremo after saving the club from relegation, has pledged a "full-time commitment'' to ITV as their senior analyst.

That means the former England boss, Boro's head coach for the past six months, would almost certainly be restricted to a part-time role at the Riverside as a high-powered consultant.

But even that scenario is now threatened by suggestions that Manchester United No 2 McClaren will only join Boro if he is given the manager's job with freedom to wield absolute power.

It is understood that York-born McClaren, approached by Gibson this week, is so keen to make his mark as a manager in his own right that he is reluctant to agree any subordinate role.

Former England coach McClaren yesterday cancelled further talks over the managerial vacancy at West Ham amid reports that he is poised to give Boro an answer by the end of the week.

West Ham had been confident that McClaren would spurn overtures from Southampton and move into management at Upton Park.

But the Hammers' managing director, Paul Aldridge, last night conceded: "It looks like Steve won't be coming after all.

"We were due to meet him again today but he has told us he is going back to talk to Middlesbrough.

"It's disappointing, but a factor must be that he doesn't have to move his family down to London."

But McClaren's apparent hardline stance with Boro could now leave Gibson facing a dilemma over the position of current manager Robson.

It is thought that Boro were ready to hand Robson a new post as general manager or director of football as a reward for the way he has transformed the club's fortunes.

If Gibson is determined to land 40-year-old McClaren, Robson may have to accept a back seat as a roving ambassador for the club with responsibility for scouting.

But after seven years in charge, that might not be enough to satisfy the former England captain, who has said that Venables is the only man he is prepared to work under.

Venables, meanwhile, last night confirmed his long-term TV deal, which will also see him host a tactics and coaching series on the ITV Sports Channel due to be launched on August 11.

"I've enjoyed a fantastic relationship with ITV over the past few years and I'm delighted that it's continuing,'' said Venables.

"I'm particularly looking forward to working alonside Des Lynam on the Saturday evening highlights programme.

"Steve Gibson is well aware of my full-time commitment to ITV. He has also said about maybe helping Middlesbrough, so who knows?"

Brian Barwick, ITV's controller of sport, said: "It's great news that Terry is continuing his association with us. I'm looking forward to him having a regular Saturday night beat on our Premiership programme.''

l England captain David Beckham last night saluted Steve McClaren and insisted Middlesbrough will have pulled off a coaching coup if he moves to the Riverside Stadium.

Manchester United star Beckham, a player under McClaren at club and international level, broke off from preparations for England's friendly against Mexico tomorrow night to express regret that Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man is being allowed to leave Old Trafford.

Beckham said: "Obviously Steve's a great coach and we want him to stay, but if he thinks there's a good chance somewhere else, then he'll do that.

"When Brian Kidd left we all worried where the next great coach would come from. Then Steve came in and proved he's a great coach as well.

"It's not for me to say if he'll be a good manager, but he's certainly a top-class coach and that will be good for any team.''

l Boro have already arranged four first-team pre-season friendlies.

They travel to the South West to face Exeter on Friday, July 20 (7.30), then play Devon County FA two days later (3.00). Those games are followed by clashes with Scarborough, in the semi-final of the North Riding Senior Cup, on Wednesday, July 25 (7.30) and Mansfield on Saturday, July 28 (3.00).