FA examine England failure

The Football Association have sacked Steve McClaren and promised to conduct a 'root and branch' examination into England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.



The FA board unanimously agreed that McClaren and his assistant Terry Venables would have their contracts terminated in the wake of England's 3-2 defeat by Croatia at Wembley.


That defeat capped a miserable qualifying campaign which saw McClaren's side slip to third in the qualifying group behind Croatia and Russia.


Chairman Geoff Thompson admitted that an immediate search would begin to find the man to replace the former Middlesbrough boss, but insisted they would not rush into an appointment.



Terminated


Thompson told Sky Sports News: "At a meeting of a board this morning, the FA board unanimously decided to terminate the contract of the England head coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect. The board also terminated the contract of the assistant coach Terry Venables.


"The board have agreed there will now be a full root and branch examination of the whole England senior team set-up, which will begin with immediate effect.


"This will be led by Brian Barwick, reporting to me, the chairman, who will update the board.


"The chief executive has been given the authority to identify the new head coach and will report back to the board with his recommendation. There is no definite time-frame for the recruitment of the new head coach."



Qualification expected


He added: "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed we have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, I know that Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone.


"Of course, we have no divine right to play in major tournaments but it is quite right that qualification is expected.


"We feel embarrassed, as a major nation we expect to qualify for European Championships and World Cups, we are extremely disappointed like all fans.


"I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer, and for his work prior to that as assistant manager to Sven-Goran Eriksson.


"I wish him, as do my colleagues on the board, all the best for the future.


"The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job."


Sportpen.net

In The Name Of God
..
we didnt win ..
thats it .. we have to move on .. and do it the england way
FIGHT BACK
..
peace