ENGLAND'S manager-in-waiting Steve McClaren last night told of how he is desperate to ensure his five-year reign at Middlesbrough ends on the most glorious of highs.

McClaren signed a four-year deal, starting on August 1, as Sven- Goran Eriksson's successor yesterday, just six days before signing off as Boro boss by leading his side out in the UEFA Cup final.

His departure means that four of the five North-East clubs are now looking for a new manager this summer, although chairman Steve Gibson has indicated he already has a replacement in mind.

But, while Gibson starts to put his own plans in place, McClaren chose to use his first press conference at Soho Square to reveal Middlesbrough will always have a place close to his heart.

The role at the Riverside Stadium was the Yorkshireman's first managerial job after years of forging a reputation for himself as one of the best young coaches in the game.

And McClaren, who has never hidden his ambition to take charge of his country at one stage, said: "They say your first job in management is the most memorable and that is certainly true.

"We have enjoyed some marvellous occasions and Boro will always remain close to my heart. I'm so pleased I was able to help deliver success to Middlesbrough because everyone, especially the fans, deserves it.

''Hopefully, we can top the lot next Wednesday night when we play Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final in what will now be my last match as Boro manager.

"From Friday onwards my focus will return to Middlesbrough and the UEFA Cup final. This announcement (of the England job) will not be allowed to act as any kind of distraction from that.

"Every effort will be made to ensure we end my time as Boro manager with some glory. That would be the perfect ending for me - and a wonderful platform to take the club forward into the future."

In his third season in charge of Middlesbrough he became the first English manager to win the League Cup since Brian Little in 1996, which was also the first time a major piece of silverware had been paraded on Teesside.

Last season he guided the club to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup in their first European campaign, as well as their highest league placing, and this season they have gone on to reach the final in Eindhoven.

And McClaren, who was Gibson's first choice when he took over from Bryan Robson in the summer of 2001, has thanked the man who only handed him a new deal earlier this year.

"Steve Gibson took a gamble on me when he made me Boro manager, and I remain grateful to him for that. He has given me fantastic support throughout the past five years," said McClaren, whose departure is likely to net Middlesbrough around £1.75m in compensation.

"Equally, my staff have always remained hugely supportive through all the ups and downs that every manager goes through.

"Along with the players, they are the key reason I have been able to help bring success to Boro - and therefore the reason I am joining England.

"The experience of managing Middlesbrough has been fantastic and will, I am sure, hold me in very good stead in my future challenges."

With McClaren out of sight after next Wednesday, Gibson now faces the task of having to fill the void left by the 45-year-old.

The early front-runners appear to be former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, who has signalled his intention to leave The Valley at the end of the season.

O'Neill is understood to have already had contact with the Boro chairman in recent weeks and was known to be receptive to the North-East club's advances.

Curbishley, on the other hand, is someone Gibson admires for the way he has kept the Addicks in the Premiership for the past seven out of eight seasons on a small budget. He was also one of the men in the frame for the England job.

Another alternative would be to appoint from within and take the FA's lead and opt for continuity.

That would mean assistant manager Steve Round promoted to manager.

Failing that and things could become more messy, given the fact that the coaching staff left behind by McClaren all signed new contracts last summer.

Nevertheless former Middlesbrough captain Tony Mowbray, current skipper Gareth Southgate, Wigan's Paul Jewell and Crystal Palace's Iain Dowie have all been considered.

And Gibson has hinted whoever is appointed will have to accept certain positions on the backroom staff will already be filled.

"We know what we want and we know how we want to structure it," said Gibson on BBC Radio Five Live.

"It's a very important decision I have to make and I am dealing with it. I will make it sooner rather than later. There have been some surprise approaches.

"When Bryan Robson left the short-list was very small, but because of the speculation surrounding Steve McClaren the phone has not stopped ringing. I must have had at least 30 calls, including some surprises."

And Gibson insisted McClaren will be leaving for England with his blessing. "I have lost my manager to my country and I have not got a problem with that," he said.

"I think he deserves the job and I am glad it's an England manager and I am glad it's Steve McClaren.

"There have been some negatives regarding his appointment but sometimes negatives are positives."

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb also added his weight behind those backing McClaren to be a success as England chief.

Lamb will now be working closely with Gibson in trying to appoint McClaren's replacement and hopes his departure will end perfectly in Holland.

''Whilst we are sorry to lose Steve, we are delighted he is leaving the football club for such a prestigious role," said Lamb.

''It's an honour for Middlesbrough that our manager should become the new England coach.

''We're grateful to Steve for all he has achieved with Middlesbrough over the past five years, including helping to bring us first major silverware, which will hopefully be topped next Wednesday night in the UEFA Cup final.

''We wish Steve and his family all the very best for their future and the challenges that lie ahead.''

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