Mac accepts England axe

Steve McClaren has described being sacked as England manager as one of the 'saddest days' of his career.



McClaren paid the price for failing to lead England through to next summer's tournament as the Football Association terminated his contract following an emergency board meeting on Thursday morning.


He admits it was hugely disappointing to learn of the FA's decision but accepts that they were left with little option after the 3-2 defeat to Croatia.


He told Sky Sports News: "This is one of the saddest days of my career. I was honoured to be the England coach for 18 months and it is a sad day to be relieved of my post.


"But I can understand the decision of the FA. I have still got disappointment for the people who really lost out and that's the country, the people and the fans.


"There's going to be a clamour for a new head coach and the future is the future. All I can concentrate on is getting over this huge disappointment and looking forward."



Failed


The players have been criticised for a poor performance against Croatia but McClaren concedes that he must shoulder the blame for England's poor showing over 12 games.


"I can make all the excuses about injuries and decisions, but ultimately it is 12 games and we have failed to qualify," he explained.


"There is bound to be criticism but the players have been a delight to work with. These are professionals and whatever their shortcomings are, which will be discussed, they really want to achieve and their attitude was fantastic.


"We have come up short and we all take responsibility for that, but ultimately I do.


"It is my responsibility. I live and die by results and the results have not gone my way.


"I said judge me on qualification and people have."



Bounce back


McClaren insists he has benefited from his time in charge and is already looking ahead to his next role.


"Hindsight is a fantastic thing but I have learned many things and I am proud to have been England manager, just disappointed not to have achieved what I wanted to," he said.


"This is a fantastic job and I would never walk away from it. It wasn't just about last night, it was about other results. We didn't take our chances.


"There have been highs and lows and it's been a rollercoaster. This is a down but I'll bounce back. I'm a better manager for it and I look forward to the next challenge.


"I am not one to lie on a beach. I believe that I am a better manager than I was 18 months ago."




R.Carvalho ،Sportpen.net

In The Name of God
..
i think that Steve is the worst managers in history of English football ..
he didnt do anything .. we fought with beckham ..
beckham was the main heart of the team ..
and WE didnt win .. we'll not be going to euro ..
SO plz dont till me that the day that you got sacked is the worst day ..