McClarens Reply

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

McClaren was sacked on Thursday morning after England's defeat to Croatia on Wednesday night meant the team missed out on qualification for next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

The search now begins for McClaren's successor, but the former Middlesbrough boss was saddened that his time in charge had come to an end.

He said: 'First of all can I say this is one of the saddest days of my career.

'Eighteen months ago (when he was appointed) was the proudest day of my career and I was honoured to be the England head coach and for 18 months I've enjoyed every minute.

'It is a sad day to have been relieved of my duties but I understand the decision of the FA.'

McClaren revealed that the FA's chief executive Brian Barwick informed him of the decision on Thursday morning.