‘Embarrassed’ FA had to act

FA CHAIRMAN Geoff Thompson has admitted England’s failure to qualify for next summer’s Euro 2008 finals is an “embarrassment” which left his board with no choice but to sack manager Steve McClaren.

McClaren was officially axed, along with assistant Terry Venables, following an emergency meeting of the 12-man panel at Soho Square yesterday morning – in the wake of the capitulation to Croatia at Wembley.

The search will now begin for a new manager, just 15 months and 18 games after McClaren was appointed, as the FA conduct a “full root-and-branch examination of the whole England senior team set-up.”

Thompson said: “Of course, we feel embarrassed. We expect as a major nation in Europe to qualify for the European Championships and World Cups. We are embarrassed and disappointed, like all fans.

“Of course, we have no divine right to play in any major tournament – but it is quite right that qualification is expected.”

The decision to wield the axe was “unanimous”, according to chief executive Brian Barwick.

He said: “I spoke to Steve this morning – we get on very well with him. I’ve had many grown-up conversations and had another one with him this morning – and I can only wish him well. But in the end, not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short.

“Qualification for a major tournament is probably a minimum requirement.”

Barwick added: “I would like to apologise to the fans personally. I care about this passionately – it has never been just a job. Last night was a tough, tough night. I understand we have let them down and apologise for that.”

Barwick, however, stood by the original decision to hand McClaren a four-year contract.

“The contract is a private contract,” he said. “I don’t regret that now; I think he has tried very hard.”

McClaren was seen very much as Barwick’s man, following what was a protracted and often farcical appointment process on the eve of last summer’s World Cup.

However, FA board director and Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards defended the under-fire chief executive.

“Brian has taken a lot of stick about him being the sole person (to appoint McClaren),” said Richards.

“This responsibility has to be shared among us all. It’s unfair to say he was Brian’s man – he was the FA’s man.”

The FA board have handed Barwick the “authority to identify” candidates for the England manager’s job, which he will then report back to Soho Square officials.

However, Thompson maintained: “There is no definite time frame for an appointment of the new head coach.”