McClaren resigns from Twente post (From The Northern Echo)

McClaren resigns from Twente post

9:53am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Sport

FORMER Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren has resigned as coach of Dutch club FC Twente amid growing unrest following poor recent form.

McClaren held talks with president Joop Munsterman over the weekend but the manager failed to receive the assurances for which he had hoped and yesterday took the decision to leave his role.

The split comes after Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat at Heerenveen left Twente – who won the title under McClaren in 2010 – in fifth place in the Eredivisie.

The 51-year-old, who was in his second spell in charge at the Stadium De Grolsch Veste, said in a statement: ‘‘After the defeat to Heerenveen on Saturday, I met the President on Sunday.

‘‘We tried to find a solution to the difficult period the team has endured over the last four weeks.

‘‘We discussed the expectations of the club, how European qualification was key each season and finishing in the top four.

‘‘Despite being joint-top at the winter break and even second four weeks ago, recent results and performances have seen major criticism, protest and demonstration from the supporters and the media.”

McClaren leaves with Twente only a point adrift of Vitesse Arnhem in fourth place and a further five behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.

However, they have not tasted victory since a 3-0 win at AZ Alkmaar on December 21.

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