Steve McClaren turns attention to management return

(GETTY IMAGES)

Former England manager Steve McClaren is looking forward to returning to football management after being sacked by Wolfsburg on Monday.

McClaren won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente in 2010 but was unable to repeat that success in Germany, Saturday's defeat to Hannover leaving Wolfsburg just one point above the relegation zone.

In a statement issued through the League Managers Association (LMA), McClaren said: "Naturally, I am hugely disappointed that my time as head coach of Wolfsburg has come to an end.

"However, I am extremely proud to have become the first Englishman to manage a Bundesliga club following the marvellous experience of coaching in Holland for two years, culminating in winning the Dutch title.

"Since I came to the club, I have worked really hard to implement changes to bring stability and success on the field.

"I believe we have been making good progress and have only lost two of the last 10 games in the Bundesliga. I have built up a strong relationship with the squad during my time here and I sincerely thank all the players for their hard work and great attitude.

"I would also like to thank the fantastic Wolfsburg fans who have been so supportive of me during my time in Germany.

""Unfortunately, although I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with the senior management of the club and general manager Dieter Hoeness, whom I fully respect, we have not been able to settle on a formula that I thought we needed to bring long-term success, and therefore sadly the time has come for me and the club to move on.

"I wish the club, its supporters, staff and players every success for the future and I now look forward to the challenge of securing another management opportunity in football."

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "We are very sorry that Wolfsburg and Steve have parted company.

"Leading FC Twente to the Dutch title last season, the first time in the club's history, and subsequently being named Dutch coach of the year, clearly demonstrated both Steve's ability as a top coach and his willingness to adapt successfully to managing overseas.

"I am certain that Steve's highly impressive credentials as a coach and manager will be widely sought after throughout Europe."