Steve McClaren (born 3 May 1961) is an English former professional footballer and a manager whose career has spanned playing, coaching and management at club and international level. He played as a midfield professional in the English league system before moving into coaching, where he became better known.

Playing and early coaching career

McClaren began his career as a player in the lower divisions of English football and then moved into coaching. He worked as part of the coaching staff at several clubs and became an assistant at Manchester United, where he developed his reputation working under Sir Alex Ferguson and learning management routines at the highest domestic level.

Managerial highlights

McClaren's managerial breakthrough came at Middlesbrough, where he guided the club to its first major trophy by winning the English League Cup. His league work there and with other English clubs led to his appointment as England national team manager. He succeeded the previous manager after the 2006 World Cup but left the role following England's failure to qualify for a major European Championship.

After his England tenure he achieved notable success abroad. McClaren became manager of FC Twente in the Netherlands and led the club to the Eredivisie title, marking one of the most prominent achievements of his coaching career. He later worked in Germany and returned to roles in English football, combining head coach posts with short-term appointments and assistant positions.

Style, reputation and legacy

McClaren is often described as a coach with a detailed, analytical approach to preparation and tactics. His career is marked by high points—trophies and league success abroad—and setbacks, including a difficult spell in charge of the England national team. He remains a prominent figure in English football, both for his successes and for the debates his appointments generated.

Honours and further reading

  • Major trophies include the English League Cup (with Middlesbrough) and the Dutch Eredivisie (with FC Twente).
  • He has held prominent roles in England, the Netherlands and Germany.

For more details on his managerial record and profile, see an official profile or statistical summaries: official profile and managerial statistics.