NEW Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren last night admitted that chairman Steve Gibson is the single biggest reason why he accepted the challenge at the Riverside Stadium.

Gibson sacrificed Bryan Robson, whom he had stood by loyally for seven years, to land England coach McClaren.

And the former Manchester United No 2 has revealed how the glowing endorsements Gibson received from the likes of Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded him to reject West Ham and Southampton in favour of Boro.

McClaren said: "Steve Gibson is recognised as one of the best chairmen around. When I sought advice from various people in football and Steve's name was mentioned, it was held in the highest esteem.

"The fact that there is no board here, just Steve Gibson to answer to, makes a change.''

McClaren, who has wasted no time in pruning and reshaping his backroom team, is now turning his attention to his playing squad.

Strikers Noel Whelan and Brian Deane, among a group of players facing an uncertain future, are prompting interest from Everton and Sheffield United respectively.

McClaren, who is bringing in Aston Villa goalkeeping coach Paul Barron, has been linked with a move for Villa's Finnish shot-stopper Peter Enckelman.

But with Villa's England keeper David James looking to leave, manager John Gregory is not in any hurry to off-load Enckelman.

Meanwhile, Terry Venables has told McClaren he is working with some of the best supporters in the country.

Venables, who guided Boro to Premiership safety as head coach, has hailed the Riverside faithful for their part in the club avoiding the drop.

Speaking on the official video review of the season, Staying Up: The Great Escape, Venables thanks the fans for their contribution - and asks them to remember him as "Teesside Tel''!

Venables said: "From the beginning, the supporters were just amazing.

"I praised them, particularly when we played away, but some people suggested our home support wasn't very good. That's rubbish - they were unbelievable, at home and away.

"I remember going to Newcastle and someone said: 'You won't hear the Boro fans because they're so far away', but we could hear them and they were brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough and I would like to thank everyone for receiving me the way they did."

Venables also saluted Robson, saying: "Bryan is a great guy but he's had a tough time with Boro.

"No manager goes seven years at a club without hard times - Alex Ferguson hardly got off to the best of starts at Manchester United."

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