Author Topic: Steve McLaren To Take Over The Reins At FC Twente? (Read 3307 times)

rafathegaffa83 · « **on:** May 19, 2008, 03:16:07 AM »

McClaren to go Dutch in surprise return
The Times Online
Matt Dickinson

Steve McClaren is on the brink of a surprise return to football in the Netherlands with FC Twente. The former England head coach was in Amsterdam yesterday to see Twente qualify for the Champions League at the expense of Ajax.

McClaren will decide this week whether to rebuild his career overseas and is giving serious consideration to the offer from Twente. He has been out of work since he was dismissed by the Football Association in November after England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and is keen to return this summer. The usual post-season cull of managers is likely to provide openings in the Coca-Cola Championship, but McClaren has often expressed a desire to work abroad.

Twente finished fourth in the Dutch league, ten points behind PSV Eindhoven, the champions, but secured the second Champions League place through the play-offs with a 0-0 draw in the Amsterdam ArenA yesterday. They will join in the third qualifying round and the promise of European football is one of the lures for the Yorkshireman.

There is also the chance to rebuild his reputation without some of the baggage that would inevitably follow him around England because of his failure with the national side. Sir Bobby Robson also left the FA to work in the Netherlands, with PSV, and he is known to have encouraged McClaren to consider working there. The language would be far less of a problem than in other European countries.

Twente want McClaren to decide in the next few days whether he will succeed Fred Rutten, who has agreed to join Schalke 04 in Germany. One report yesterday linked McClaren with a return to Derby County, but there has been no approach. While it would be a gamble to move abroad, success would also mark him out. The number of English coaches who have worked overseas has been pitifully few in recent years.

Twente will regard it as a coup if they can attract the man who was once Mr. Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United and who, while at Middlesbrough, won the League Cup in 2004, came runner-up in the Uefa Cup in 2006 and finished seventh in the Premier League, the club’s highest finish.

Since losing the England job, McClaren, 47, has been travelling around Europe, seeking to build up his contacts and knowledge of players. That experience could prove useful given that he would need to trade within a limited budget at Twente, based in Enschede, a city of around 150,000 people near the eastern border with Germany. Bankrupt five years ago, the club have since been taken over by ambitious new owners. Managerial rivals would include Marco van Basten, who will take charge at Ajax this summer.

If McClaren does decide to move abroad — and his family is bound to be another consideration — Twente’s custom of playing You’ll Never Walk Alone before kick-off should at least help him to feel more at home after his years in England.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article3958862.ece

Would quite interesting for McLaren to go from managing England to a Dutch CL side. Hopefully Mihaylov's progress won't be stunted though if McLaren takes over.

CHOPPER · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2008, 03:55:07 AM »

Presumable they have know prior knowledge of Steven's work

SMD · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2008, 03:59:47 AM »

Would actually be a very good move for him, if he allows himself to be open minded and can adapt.

CHOPPER · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2008, 04:10:33 AM »

Quote from: Spam Monkey Deluxe on May 19, 2008, 03:59:47 AM

Would actually be a very good move for him, if he allows himself to be open minded and can adapt.

that is a boss joke

SMD · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2008, 04:53:04 AM »

Quote from: CHOPPER on May 19, 2008, 04:10:33 AM

that is a boss joke

I left it open to interpretation

Juan Loco · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2008, 05:00:19 AM »

You know what? If that's true and he does take it, best of luck to him. Atleast it'd show he's open to a challenge, unlike the rest of the ambitionless fucks who manage them 12th place and below teams but never want to take a risk.

Maybe Allardyce, Curbishley and Jewell should have persude similar options instead of jumping at the same old jobs and finding themselves with their 'reputations' ruined within 6 months. If all goes well for McLaren he'll atleast be showcasing his 'talent' in the Champions League.

StuH · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:41:12 AM »

I think all English managers who want to get somewhere in the game should try a year or two on the continent.

I'm inclined to say best of luck to him, he might learn something!

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:47:24 AM »

good I like Steve McLaren, very underrated manager

anfield · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2008, 08:01:38 AM »

Twente in the third qualifying round please.

MagicHat · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2008, 08:06:12 AM »

The England job was too early for him, he lacked the courage to go with his idea's and so did them half way or dropped them as soon as the backlash started. I was worried he would struggle to find a job again so I'm glad he has found something and glad he seems to have the guts to go abroad when so few managers have. He is a decent manager, had some success at Boro but was hardly that good but that was one club job, he has time to improve

He could learn a lot here and come back a far better manager for it.

Commie Bobbie · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2008, 10:01:07 AM »

Agree with the sentiments.

Shame, that not more English managers don't ply their trade abroad.

In fact, shame more English players don't ply their trade abroad.

Rizla · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:49:44 PM »

Good move for him to get experience of working abroad

It should be a prerequisite for future English England managers

England managers job was far too big for him, he made a complete bollocks of it but the disaster should have been foreseen much earlier. he may have done better had he done this kind of thing first but he wont get another chance

Other younger English managers should try what he is doing and what the likes of Chris Coleman have done, make a name for yourself studying continental football and coaching methods then start applying for the big jobs as and when they emerge. Both English players and managers are just a bit too unadventurous and homely in their attitudes, is something that maybe needs to change

Spain had a strong domestic league yet their national team has done even worse than England have in big tournaments, is no coincidence IMO...they may do better now their players and managers have imported themselves abroad in recent years

zimmie'5555 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:55:18 PM »

Good luck to him. He's a decent coach and this is a good opportunity fo him if he takes it. Like others have said, more managers need to try their hand abroad to extend their expertise. McLaren was out of his depth as England manager, but he can still have decent career if he learns from his mistakes and takes opportunites like this

Devastatin' Dave · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2008, 07:56:27 PM »

Quote from: rafathegaffa83 on May 19, 2008, 03:16:07 AM

Would quite interesting for McLaren to go from managing England to a Dutch CL side. Hopefully Mihaylov's progress won't be stunted though if McLaren takes over.

Does he even get a game?

I would actually think better of McLaren if he went abroad to manage, getting out of the usual British comfort zone.

Cusamano · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2008, 08:10:27 PM »

He's not as bad as people make out.

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2008, 08:11:01 PM »

Quote from: Cusamano on May 19, 2008, 08:10:27 PM

He's not as bad as people make out.

He's got a big red face, pretty sure this smiley was based on him

Jase · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2008, 09:10:52 PM »

Fair play to him actually. At least he's seemingly putting himself in the firing line again and opting for a different challenge rather than waiting for a mid-table/relegation fighting premier league team/championship team to need another boss from the 'merry-go-round'.

Personally, I think this is the sort of job Paul Jewell should have gone for rather than going for Derby.

Devastatin' Dave · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2008, 09:12:22 PM »

Quote from: Jase on May 19, 2008, 09:10:52 PM

Fair play to him actually. At least he's seemingly putting himself in the firing line again and opting for a different challenge rather than waiting for a mid-table/relegation fighting premier league team/championship team to need another boss from the 'merry-go-round'.

Personally, I think this is the sort of job Paul Jewell should have gone for rather than going for Derby.

If he does get the job, we could see him in the CL.

cornelius · « **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2008, 10:28:38 PM »

I've made my feelings quite clear on the twat but if he takes this job then he'll go up a tiny notch in my estimations of the man.

Quote from: Rizla on May 19, 2008, 07:49:44 PM

Other younger English managers should try what he is doing and what the likes of Chris Coleman have done, make a name for yourself studying continental football and coaching methods then start applying for the big jobs as and when they emerge. Both English players and managers are just a bit too unadventurous and homely in their attitudes, is something that maybe needs to change

It's something I've been saying for years on here.

Martyn. · « **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2008, 10:37:44 PM »

Hope he goes for it.

PSV-FaN · « **Reply #20 on:** May 20, 2008, 05:43:20 PM »

To be Fred Rutten successor wouldn't be easy. He played great football with them and made from a mid-table team a CL team in only two years. He can only do worser, if you remind that their best players are likely to leave, El Ahmadi (Feyenoord), Douglas (Ajax, Schalke 04), Engelaar.. But it's a great challange for them.

In a historic view is FC Twente the 4rd team in the Netherlands, after PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord. In the 69 - 76 with:

69: 3rd
70: 4rd
71: 5th
72: 3rd
73: 3rd
74: 2nd
75: 4rd
76: 4rd

And they did great in Europe that time with a:

72/73: Semi-Final Uefa Cup
74/75: Final Uefa Cup
77/78: Semi-Final Uefa Cup

But they couldn't remain that level, in 1983 they relegated to the Dutch First Division. In 1984 the promoted again after a 2nd place in the Dutch First Division. Between 1988 and 1997 they ended 4 times 3rd, 3 times 5th, 2 times 6th en once 10th. After those years they again fell back to around the 10th place till Fred Rutten brought them back to the top-5 last year with a 4rd place. This year they reached the CL (Europa Cup I) for the first time in their history.

FC Twente is currently building a new stadion for around 24.000 people, but they want to grow quite soon to 40.000 seats. They are one of the few teams who are trying to close the gap between the traditional top-3, together with fc Groningen, sc Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar.

Well, some clips with the celebrations of FC Twente,

with the players singing songs like:

- Helemaal niets in Amsterdam!, Helemaal niets in Amsterdam! -> translated -> Totally nothing in Amsterdam!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PhtoCy-010
- Ronaldinho, Heubach komt eraan! -> Ronaldinho, Heubach comes your way! -> what means -> Ronaldinho, be aware of Heubach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf2eY6yfrXA

FC Twente has potential and some great fans, I wouldn't be suprised if McLaren would be able to get into the CL group-stage with them. And since Legend Bobby Robson finally another English coach in the Dutch League!

kavah · « **Reply #21 on:** May 20, 2008, 05:45:21 PM »

Quote from: anfield on May 19, 2008, 08:01:38 AM

Twente in the third qualifying round please.

that would be nice

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2008, 05:48:02 PM »

An error in translation - he's number Twenty on Rennes shortlist

Gaz123456 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 20, 2008, 07:41:42 PM »

Twente is where they will finish under that muppet!

PETERBEARDSLEY · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2008, 12:17:18 AM »

I wonder if the muppet will get matching clogs for his brolly. He as finally realised no english club will touch him- deluded over promoted goon

Red Heaven · « **Reply #25 on:** May 22, 2008, 05:56:05 AM »

ok now can anybody say

RE LE GAT ION

MagicHat · « **Reply #26 on:** May 22, 2008, 07:20:20 AM »

like he got relegated with Boro?

Oh wait, they won a cup and got to a European final under him, must be utterly useless given he was the first one to do that

Ken-Obi · « **Reply #27 on:** May 22, 2008, 07:23:54 AM »

Quote from: zimmie5555 on May 19, 2008, 07:55:18 PM

Good luck to him. He's a decent coach and this is a good opportunity fo him if he takes it. Like others have said, more managers need to try their hand abroad to extend their expertise. McLaren was out of his depth as England manager, but he can still have decent career if he learns from his mistakes and takes opportunites like this

PSV-FaN · « **Reply #28 on:** June 20, 2008, 08:42:46 AM »

http://www.fctwente.nl/nieuws/index.php?item=7367

It's official!

Antony · « **Reply #29 on:** June 20, 2008, 09:07:25 AM »

Good luck to him.

He wasn't that shit.

He was just spineless.

The media said jump, he said how high.

cornelius · « **Reply #30 on:** June 20, 2008, 10:17:48 AM »

Quote from: Antony on June 20, 2008, 09:07:25 AM

He wasn't that shit.

I think that even though he won Boro's only major honour...he was. His brand of management and football was so awful that he the crowds dwindled to two men and a dog and they still haven't returned even now.

He's about as exciting as accidentally treading in dog shit.

I think most people on here, me included, were urging him to take this job and try something different but it smacks of a U-turn decision after failing to land the Blackburn job. It shows how desperate both McLaren and Twente must be. The man doesn't have a single shred of integrity.

Quote from: MagicHat on May 22, 2008, 07:20:20 AM

like he got relegated with Boro?

Oh wait, they won a cup and got to a European final under him, must be utterly useless given he was the first one to do that

Fuck me mate, Leicester City have won the league cup in recent years. And as for the Uefa cup, it's now a tournament where teams like Bolton can make the latter stages and Scottish sides reach the final. It's not like it was 8 or 9 years ago when the likes of Liverpool could win it and Arsenal could blow it in the final.

GBF · « **Reply #31 on:** June 20, 2008, 10:18:53 AM »

They dont have television or radio in Twente?

BMW · « **Reply #32 on:** June 20, 2008, 10:57:36 AM »

The irony is that the exprience he'd gain from managing a dutch team like FC Twente would have helped him when managing the England's National Team...

BMW · « **Reply #33 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:03:34 AM »

Quote from: cornelius on June 20, 2008, 10:17:48 AM

Fuck me mate, Leicester City have won the league cup in recent years. And as for the Uefa cup, it's now a tournament where teams like Bolton can make the latter stages and Scottish sides reach the final. It's not like it was 8 or 9 years ago when the likes of Liverpool could win it and Arsenal could blow it in the final.

What does that say about Bayern failing to get to the final?

StevenLFC · « **Reply #34 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:06:15 AM »

He's an ok manager, and got in well over his head with the England job, he was never ready for it. Fair play to him for going abroad though. Too many managers (Big Sam, Jewell etc.) stay on the English management roundabout.

Okkervil · « **Reply #35 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:56:28 AM »

Interesting, i guess!?

Ben_ · « **Reply #36 on:** June 20, 2008, 01:34:33 PM »

Fair play to him, not many English managers go abroad at all, especially to Holland.

CHOPPER · « **Reply #37 on:** June 20, 2008, 01:48:52 PM »

FC Twente sing YNWA before there home game's
I'm sure steve will enjoy listening to that for the 6 months he's there

Cochise · « **Reply #38 on:** June 20, 2008, 03:30:01 PM »

Wonder if he takes any English players over with him. And if so, who?

Old No7 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 20, 2008, 04:01:49 PM »

Good move for him.

He had no choice but to go abroad, but i give him the credit for taking on a challenge.

I did hear a dutch guy on 5 live saying they thought he was the new bobby robson. think they may be disappointed when they realise he is more like bryan robson.

still best of luck to him