Greening: Boro players unhappy with McClaren

Middlesbrough players have told former team-mate Jonathan Greening they are beginning to question manager Steve McClaren’s methods.

As McClaren struggles to keep his club clear of the Barclays Premiership relegation zone, he may be concerned to hear there is disquiet in the ranks.

Greening, whose own club West Brom are a point clear of Boro in the lower reaches of the table, can understand why the Teessiders are having their difficulties.

“I am not really surprised to see Middlesbrough struggling,” said the midfielder, who left the Riverside in 2004.

“I know a few of the boys there who are a bit unhappy with McClaren’s way of doing things.”

England assistant coach McClaren has not always been vindicated by his moves into the transfer market, Greening notes.

“Some of the signings have not worked out for him either,” he said.

“He spent £8.5m (€12.5m) on Massimo Maccarone, and he doesn’t even play.

“McClaren is a really good coach, but some coaches do not make good managers.”