Births on May 3

Steve McClaren, English footballer and manager

Stephen McClaren, born on May 3, 1961, is a well-known English professional football manager and a former player. His career, spanning several decades, has been characterized by significant highs, notable firsts, and challenging periods, making him a fascinating figure in modern English football.

A Promising Start: Assistant at Manchester United and Breakthrough at Middlesbrough

McClaren's journey into top-tier management was significantly shaped by his time as an assistant manager to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. From 1999 to 2001, he was part of a coaching setup that achieved immense success, including the historic treble in 1999, which undoubtedly provided him with invaluable experience and insight into elite-level football management.

His first major managerial role came at Middlesbrough in the Premier League. This tenure proved to be a golden era for the Teesside club. Under McClaren's leadership, Middlesbrough made history by winning their first – and to this day, only – major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004. This victory not only brought silverware to the club but also secured European qualification, showcasing his ability to build a winning team. The success continued as he guided Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup final in 2006, a remarkable achievement for the club, even though they ultimately finished as runners-up.

The England National Team: A High-Pressure Role

Following his impressive spell at Middlesbrough, McClaren was appointed manager of the England national team in August 2006. This was a prestigious but intensely scrutinized position, placing him under the national spotlight. However, his tenure proved to be short-lived and challenging. England's failure to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, a significant disappointment for the nation, led to his dismissal just over a year later. This period was marked by strong media criticism, with one particular image of him on the touchline with an umbrella during a crucial qualifying match becoming a lasting, if somewhat unfair, symbol of the team's struggles and the pressure he faced.

Ventures Abroad and Returns to English Football

Seeking a fresh challenge, McClaren ventured overseas. In 2008, he was appointed manager of Dutch club Twente, a move that would see him achieve significant success. In 2010, he led Twente to their first-ever Eredivisie championship, a monumental achievement that underscored his tactical acumen and ability to thrive in a different football culture. This triumph further cemented his reputation as a manager capable of winning titles.

His success in the Netherlands led him to Germany, where he took over at VfL Wolfsburg. However, this spell was less fruitful, and he was dismissed mid-season due to a run of poor results, highlighting the demanding nature of top-flight European football. A brief return to England followed with a short period as manager of Nottingham Forest.

McClaren returned to Twente in 2012 for a second stint, but this proved to be less successful than his initial spell, and he resigned in early 2013. Later that same year, he rejoined Derby County, where he once again demonstrated his ability to build a competitive side, guiding the club to the Championship play-offs in the 2013–14 season. Despite their strong performance, they ultimately failed to win promotion, and he was dismissed in 2015.

His next high-profile appointment was as head coach of Newcastle United. This was another challenging period; he was dismissed after less than a year, having secured only six wins from 28 Premier League matches in charge, a difficult spell for both the manager and the club. McClaren then had a second spell as Derby manager from October 2016 to March 2017. His most recent managerial role mentioned saw him appointed manager of Queens Park Rangers in 2018, a position he held until his dismissal in April 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen McClaren

What is Stephen McClaren's most significant achievement as a manager?

Stephen McClaren's most significant achievements include leading Middlesbrough to their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004, and guiding Dutch club Twente to their first-ever Eredivisie championship in 2010. These successes are particularly notable for their historical significance to the respective clubs.

Why was Stephen McClaren's England tenure so heavily criticized?

McClaren's time as England manager was heavily criticized primarily because the team failed to qualify for UEFA Euro 2008. This was a major disappointment for the nation. Furthermore, a widely circulated image of him holding an umbrella on the touchline during a crucial match against Croatia became emblematic of the team's struggles and the intense media scrutiny he faced.

Did Stephen McClaren manage clubs outside of England?

Yes, Stephen McClaren managed two clubs outside of England: Twente in the Netherlands, where he achieved historic Eredivisie success, and VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.

What was Stephen McClaren's role at Manchester United?

Stephen McClaren served as an assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United from 1999 to 2001. During this period, he was part of the coaching staff that oversaw significant successes, including the club's famous treble win in 1999.

Which clubs did Stephen McClaren manage in the Premier League?

In the Premier League, Stephen McClaren managed Middlesbrough, where he won the League Cup, and later had a challenging spell as head coach of Newcastle United.