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Stephen McClaren (born 3 May 1961) is an English football coach and former player who is currently the manager of the Jamaica national team.[3]

Key Information

McClaren began his coaching career with Oxford United, before joining Derby County in 1995. In 1999, McClaren was hired by Manchester United to be Brian Kidd's replacement as Alex Ferguson's assistant manager. He held that position for two years, until he was hired as manager of Middlesbrough. During his tenure, Middlesbrough won their first major trophy, the League Cup in 2004. They were also UEFA Cup runners-up in 2006. McClaren was appointed manager of the England national team in August 2006, but was dismissed a year later after England failed to qualify for UEFA Euro 2008, with his tactics and player selections being subject to strong media criticism.[4][5]

In 2008, McClaren was appointed manager of Dutch club Twente, with whom he won the club's first ever Eredivisie championship in 2010. Soon after, he took over at VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, though he was dismissed mid-season due to poor results. After a short spell as manager of Nottingham Forest, he returned to Twente in 2012. His second stint with Twente was less successful than his first, however, and McClaren resigned in early 2013. He returned to Derby later that year, leading the club to the play-offs in the 2013–14 season, but the club failed to win promotion, and he was dismissed in 2015.[6] He was soon appointed head coach of Newcastle United, but was dismissed after less than a year after winning only six of his 28 Premier League matches in charge. He had a second spell as Derby manager from October 2016 to March 2017,[7] and, in 2018, McClaren was appointed manager of Queens Park Rangers, before being dismissed in April 2019.

Early life

[edit]

McClaren was born on 3 May 1961 in Fulford, York,[8] the son of Margaret (née Bogg) and Brian McClaren who had married the previous year.[9] Described as "Yorkshire born and bred", McClaren's ancestors worked variously as miners, brewers, cotton mill workers, labourers and farmworkers, as well as in domestic service.[9]

As a child, McClaren attended Nunthorpe Grammar School after passing his eleven-plus, preferring it over a closer school because of the emphasis which was placed on sports.[10] In order to attend, he had to cycle a daily four-mile round trip across York. This is cited as an example of his determination to succeed in sport.[10] At school, he played rugby, tennis, squash and was captain of the school's football team. He also played for York Boys under-15 team and represented the county of Yorkshire. Playing as midfielder, McClaren is remembered as being a "tidy" player, "skilful on the ball" and "head and shoulders above the rest."[10]

Playing career

[edit]

As a player, McClaren was a midfielder who spent most of his career in the lower leagues of English football. The bulk of his playing career was with Hull City, who he joined in 1979 at the age of 18 after leaving school, He went on to play 178 games scoring 16 goals before leaving in 1985. He then played for Derby County between 1985 and 1988, making 25 appearances.[11]

During 1987, he joined Lincoln City (on loan) making only eight appearances. In 1988, he moved to Bristol City and played 61 times, scoring two goals. He joined his final club, Oxford United, in 1989. He played 33 times for Oxford, before an injury forced him to retire in 1992.[12]

Managerial career

[edit]

Early coaching

[edit]

After retiring from playing, McClaren began his coaching career as a youth and reserve team coach at Oxford United, where Denis Smith was manager. He moved back to Derby County in 1995, where he was assistant manager to Jim Smith.[13] The pair won promotion to the Premier League in their first season in charge, establishing themselves in this division and later enjoyed further consolidation in the top flight.[14]

In early 1999, McClaren moved to Manchester United as assistant to Alex Ferguson, replacing Brian Kidd. At the time, he was so little known that he was introduced by United chairman Martin Edwards as "Steve McClaridge", perhaps confusing him with the former Leicester City striker Steve Claridge.[15] His first half-season was distinguished by United winning the treble, consisting of the Premier League title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. He developed the reputation as one of the most tactically astute coaches in the country,[16] using modern methods such as video analysis and sports psychologists.[15] United later won the League titles in 2000 and 2001, thus ensuring they won every title contested while McClaren was at the club.[citation needed]

In October 2000, McClaren was made a coach in the England national team by caretaker-manager Peter Taylor.[17] He retained the position under permanent manager Sven-Göran Eriksson until November 2002, combining the job with his roles at club level.[18] However, he returned to assist Eriksson as assistant manager shortly before UEFA Euro 2004 as Brian Kidd had undergone surgery for prostate cancer.[19] He remained in the role up to and including the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.[citation needed]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

At the end of the 2000–01 season, McClaren began looking for a managerial job, having decided his chances of succeeding Ferguson at Old Trafford were slim; at the time, Ferguson was planning to retire the following summer, but would ultimately remain in charge of United for a further 11 seasons.[16] With a positive reputation and closely linked with three Premier League vacancies, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson won the race to appoint him after McClaren turned down Southampton and West Ham United. His appointment came after the resignation of former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson, who had been in charge of the Teesside club for seven years and established them as a Premier League club.[20] In his first season, Middlesbrough reached the FA Cup semi-final, knocking out his previous employers Manchester United in the fourth round,[21] but lost 0–1 to Arsenal.[22] They finished 12th in the league, a small improvement on the previous season's 14th-place finish. The following season brought another modest improvement, this time finishing 11th, although they had been in higher positions – and the race for a UEFA Cup place – for most of the season.[citation needed]

The 2004 League Cup Final between Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium

In the 2003–04 season, McClaren guided Boro to victory in the League Cup with a 2–1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the final.[23] This was the club's first-ever major honour and also guaranteed them qualification for a European competition for the first time in their 128-year history.[24] In the following close season, McClaren was able to attract proven players Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Reiziger and Mark Viduka to Middlesbrough.[25] The signings paid dividends as the club reached the round of 16 in the UEFA Cup, having beaten more experienced sides such as Lazio,[26] before being eliminated by Sporting CP.[27] The club finished in seventh position in the Premier League – their best finish since 1975 – ensuring qualification for the UEFA Cup for a second successive season.[28]

The 2005–06 season proved to be the most eventful of McClaren's tenure at Middlesbrough.[29] The club endured mediocre league form, losing at home to local rivals Sunderland[29] (who finished the season relegated with just three wins from 38 games) and suffering a 7–0 thrashing at Arsenal, putting the club in relegation form.[30] During a 4–0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, a Middlesbrough fan ran onto the pitch and threw his season ticket at McClaren signifying his disgust at the club's performances.[30] Boro eventually finished in a secure 14th place but enjoyed greater success in the cup competitions, reaching the latter stages of both the FA and UEFA Cups.[31] They lost 0–1 to West Ham United in the FA Cup semi-finals.[29] In the UEFA Cup, Middlesbrough were losing on aggregate in the second legs of both the quarter and semi-final ties against Basel and Steaua București respectively. After McClaren substituted defenders with attackers, Boro produced two spectacular four-goal comebacks in both ties to reach the final.[28][32] In the final, however, Middlesbrough were outclassed by Sevilla and lost 4–0.[33]

McClaren's five-year tenure on Teesside saw him establish himself as Middlesbrough's most successful manager as he made the often difficult transition from coach to manager. He was the first manager to guide them to a major trophy and the first to guide them to qualification for a European competition.[32] He was also the most successful English manager of the early 21st century; he was the first Englishman to win a major honour since 1996 and first to reach a European final with an English club since 1985.[34] Many Boro fans, however, were indifferent about his departure, believing Steve Gibson, the club chairman, to be more important to their success.[35]

McClaren was accused by rival managers of having a "pot of gold" provided by Gibson to buy players, giving him an advantage over other teams, except perhaps the biggest few clubs in the league.[36] Despite this, towards the latter end of his tenure, McClaren was criticised by some supporters for using negative tactics and earning Middlesbrough the tag of a "dull" side.[29][37] Some observers attributed Middlesbrough's success to the senior, experienced players in the side, rather than McClaren's managerial ability.[29]

England national team

[edit]

After Eriksson announced in January 2006 that he would leave as England manager after the 2006 World Cup finals, McClaren was placed on the FA's shortlist to succeed him, alongside Sam Allardyce, Alan Curbishley, Martin O'Neill and Luiz Felipe Scolari.[38] The FA first offered the position to Scolari,[39] but he rejected the offer, claiming that the role would mean excessive media intrusion in his life.[40] McClaren, however, was subsequently announced as Eriksson's successor on 4 May 2006 after signing a four-year contract.[41] The nature of his appointment earned him the nickname "Second Choice Steve".[42] The appointment was praised by the likes of Alex Ferguson and Trevor Brooking.[43] McClaren assumed control of the national team on 1 August 2006.[44] McClaren chose popular former England coach Terry Venables as his assistant,[45] a move seen by some as an attempt to counter the lack of enthusiasm for McClaren.[46] He also hired public relations guru Max Clifford to manage his relationship with the media.[47]

McClaren's first decision was to choose the new England captain. He decided to give the arm band to John Terry, the Chelsea defender and captain who at the time had 24 England caps, saying: "I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had."[48] In his first squad, McClaren dropped many of the national team's older players including Sol Campbell, David James and former captain David Beckham, saying he was planning for "a different direction".[49] McClaren, however, stated that there was still a chance that Beckham could be recalled in the future.[50]

After starting qualification for UEFA Euro 2008 well with two wins, England hit a poor run of form between October 2006 and March 2007 with only one goal scored in five matches, by which time they had fallen to fourth in their qualification group. During a match against Andorra in March 2007, McClaren and the England team received abuse from supporters during a poor performance in a 3–0 win. McClaren walked out of the post-match press conference after only two minutes of questions, saying, "Gentlemen, if you want to write whatever you want to write, you can write it because that is all I am going to say. Thank you."[51]

In May 2007, McClaren made a U-turn by recalling David Beckham into the England squad. England subsequently had a run of four wins from six matches, which boosted the country's hopes of qualification for Euro 2008, before a defeat against Russia in October 2007 caused their qualification fate to fall out of their hands. The FA's chief executive, Brian Barwick, gave his backing to McClaren, despite the defeat.[52] McClaren was also backed by players Phil Neville and Steven Gerrard, his predecessor Eriksson,[53] and the chief executive of the League Managers Association, John Barnwell.[54]

The results of other matches in England's qualification group meant that England would qualify as the second place team by avoiding a loss in their final group match against Croatia, who had already qualified for the tournament. They would also qualify if Russia failed to beat Andorra. The match was played at Wembley on 21 November 2007 and England lost 3–2; coupled with Russia's victory over Andorra, this meant that England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.[55] It was the first time since the 1994 FIFA World Cup that England had not qualified for a major tournament, and the first time they had missed the European Championships since UEFA Euro 1984.[56]

The following day, the FA held an emergency meeting and decided to sack McClaren from his post along with his assistant manager Terry Venables.[4] There had been considerable media criticism over McClaren's tactics and player selection, particularly the poor results without Beckham in the lineup, and then having the inexperienced Scott Carson instead of Paul Robinson for the crucial match against Croatia.[57] McClaren's tenure was the second shortest of any England manager, spanning just 18 games in 16 months, only superseded by Sam Allardyce's one game in 67 days.[58] On 14 December 2007, the FA announced Fabio Capello as McClaren's replacement commencing from 7 January 2008.[59]

Twente

[edit]
McClaren as manager of Twente in 2012

McClaren announced in February 2008 he would consider managing in either the Championship or abroad in his next job.[60] In May 2008, McClaren was linked with a return to football as manager of the Dutch Eredivisie side Twente.[61] He was in the crowd for a match against Ajax on 18 May, seeing Twente qualify for the Champions League.[62] In response to speculation, a Twente spokesman initially stated that the club had no intention of hiring McClaren.[63] Later that month, however, it was reported McClaren had held talks with Twente chairman Joop Munsterman and had toured the club, despite question marks from some Twente fans to his possible appointment.[61][64] When he was initially offered the Twente managerial job, McClaren turned it down due to private issues, and on 7 June he expressed an interest in the vacant managerial role at Blackburn Rovers.[65][66] On 20 June, however, he was confirmed as the new manager of Twente.[64]

McClaren made a good start to the 2008–09 season. The club went on to secure second place in the Eredivisie behind winners AZ, reached the final of the KNVB Cup (losing on penalties to Heerenveen)[67][68] and on the European front, the club survived group stages in the UEFA Cup, having beaten amongst others Racing de Santander and Schalke 04, managed by McClaren's predecessor at Twente, Fred Rutten. It was the first time in 30 years that the club had remained in European competition beyond winter. Twente were eventually knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32 by Marseille.[69]

At the start of the 2009–10 campaign, McClaren's second season at Twente, there were question-marks over how well newcomers Bryan Ruiz and Miroslav Stoch would be able to replace the departed Eljero Elia and Marko Arnautović, who had been at the core of Twente's second-place finish in the league the preceding year. McClaren, however, led the team to some impressive results, with Twente reaching the top of the Eredivisie in October and remaining top throughout the next few months. Twente, which had never won an Eredivisie title in its history, continued to top the league in the latter part of the season, holding off the likes of renowned competitors PSV and Ajax, and seriously emerged as title favourites. They also reached the first knockout round of the inaugural Europa League, where they were defeated by Werder Bremen. McClaren signed a one-year extension to his contract in October 2009.[citation needed]

On 2 May 2010, Twente were crowned champions for the first time in their history after a 2–0 win away to NAC Breda. On winning the Eredivisie, McClaren became the first Englishman to manage a team to a top-level domestic league title since Bobby Robson with Porto in 1996 (Robson also won the Dutch title with PSV in 1991 and 1992).[70][71] Robson had in fact been a major influence in McClaren's decision to go to the Netherlands. According to McClaren: "The relationship I had with Bobby was very special. He was a good friend and was of big influence on my decision to join Twente. I'd like to think that he'll be watching from a cloud up above and wishes us the best as we play the last game in the league against NAC."[72]

Twente won 16 of 17 home matches in the Eredivisie league that season and lost just two away. Twente withstood immense pressure from Martin Jol's Ajax (who won their last 14 games in a row and had a goal difference of +86, more than double Twente's +40) during the second half of the season, and trumped the Amsterdam side by one point difference on the last day of the league to claim the title.[73][74] Upon winning the championship, McClaren stated: "Winning the Carling Cup with Middlesbrough was special but this is pretty much right up at the top of anything I've ever done. To win a championship in a foreign country with foreign coaches, I think it's made me stronger."[75]

At the end of the season, McClaren was awarded the Rinus Michels Award for Dutch manager of the season.[76]

VfL Wolfsburg

[edit]

Despite winning the Dutch league with Twente, McClaren left the club on 11 May 2010 to take over as manager of Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, making him the first Englishman to manage a German top flight football club.[77] Wolfsburg lost their first three league matches under McClaren – including a 2–1 injury time away loss to Bayern Munich on the opening day of the season, followed by a 4–3 home loss to Mainz 05 having led 3–0 after 30 minutes – but got off the mark with a 2–0 home win against Hannover 96. Wolfsburg then won their next two matches convincingly to rise to sixth in the table.[citation needed]

Despite struggling in the league, on 23 December 2010 the club publicly showed a vote of confidence in McClaren. Due to further poor results, however, on 7 February 2011, the board decided to dismiss McClaren with immediate effect.[78]

Nottingham Forest

[edit]

McClaren succeeded Billy Davies as manager of Nottingham Forest on 13 June 2011.[79] McClaren made five signings by getting Andy Reid to return to his former club from Blackpool on a free transfer,[80] Ishmael Miller from West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £1.2 million,[81] Matt Derbyshire for an undisclosed fee from Olympiacos.[82] George Boateng on a free transfer from Skoda Xanthi[83] and Jonathan Greening from Fulham[84] for a fee of £600,000.[85] After Forest only won eight points from his first ten league games in charge, McClaren resigned as manager on 2 October 2011.[86]

Return to Twente

[edit]
McClaren as manager of Twente in 2012

On 5 January 2012, Twente confirmed that McClaren has been appointed as the club's manager for the second time.[87][88] In the press conference after being unveiled as manager, McClaren said his return to Twente was "an easy decision" to make, and wanted to set his sights on winning the Eredivisie title.[89]

McClaren made his first match back as manager for the second time when Twente hammered RKC Waalwijk 5–0. His return was welcomed by the club's supporters, who wore "Welcome Back Steve" T-shirts during Saturday's game.[90] In the January transfer window, McClaren caused controversy when he sold one of their best strikers, Marc Janko, to Porto for approximately £5 million.[91] Despite this, McClaren invested money to sign Wesley Verhoek from ADO Den Haag for £1.5 million (a player McClaren had previously tried to sign while in charge at Nottingham Forest but the proposed deal fell through[92]) and Glynor Plet from Heracles Almelo for £1.5 million.[93] McClaren also signed Joshua John and Daniel Fernandes on a free transfer.[citation needed]

After a disappointing sixth place, Twente invested in new players including Dušan Tadić and Luc Castaignos. Twente made it through the group stages of the Europa League, while winning the first six league matches. McClaren became the second foreign trainer in the Eredivisie who has coached more than 100 matches.[citation needed] After growing criticism from supporters, McClaren resigned his position on 26 February 2013,[94] stating: "We agree the Club is bigger than any one individual and Twente is too big in my heart to stand in the way of its progress."[95]

Derby County

[edit]

In September 2013, McClaren returned to Derby County when he was appointed head coach to replace Nigel Clough, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.[96] He appointed former Derby winger Paul Simpson and former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele to his backroom staff.[96] Derby's first match following McClaren's appointment was at home to Ipswich Town, though academy manager Darren Wassall took charge of the team. With Derby trailing 4–1 at half time, McClaren entered the home dressing room to give a "rousing" speech to inspire a Derby fight back for a 4–4 draw.[97] McClaren's first two games in charge brought successive victories, as he earned Derby their first league home win of the season with a tenth successive victory over Leeds United (3–1)[98] and inflicted Watford's first home defeat of the season with a 3–2 away win.[99] The Watford victory earned McClaren the LMA Performance of the Week award.[100]

After Derby picked up 19 points from a possible 21 in December 2013, McClaren was awarded the Championship Manager of the Month award.[101] Derby went on to finish third in the Championship in the 2013–14 season, amassing 85 points and qualifying for the Championship play-offs. After beating Brighton & Hove Albion over two legs in the semi-finals,[102][103] Derby faced McClaren's former employers QPR in the final at Wembley Stadium, where they lost 1–0 to a last minute Bobby Zamora goal. This left Derby's quest for a return to the Premier League extending into its seventh season.[104]

Derby enjoyed a strong opening two-thirds of the 2014–15 season, topping the table on three separate occasions and reaching the League Cup quarter-finals. However, after a 2–0 victory over Charlton Athletic on 24 February took Derby to the top of the division, their form nose-dived and they managed just two wins, against eventually relegated Wigan Athletic and Blackpool, in their remaining 13 fixtures. Despite the loan signings of Darren Bent, Tom Ince and Jesse Lingard, they missed out on the play-offs altogether after a 3–0 defeat at home to Reading on the last day of the season, when a point would have sufficed. The drastic loss in form was attributed by McClaren to injuries to key players, especially striker Chris Martin, although local press also believed that constant speculation linking McClaren to the Newcastle United job had been a contributing factor. On 25 May 2015, McClaren was dismissed by Derby.[105]

Newcastle United

[edit]

On 10 June 2015, McClaren was appointed as the replacement for caretaker manager John Carver as head coach of Premier League side Newcastle United. He signed a three-year deal with the club, with an option to extend the contract to eight years.[106] He was also appointed to the Newcastle United board of directors, along with chief scout Graham Carr and club ambassador Bobby Moncur.[107] On 18 October, after eight matches without a win, McClaren won his first Premier League game as manager of Newcastle with a 6–2 home victory against Norwich City. This was McClaren's first win in the Premier League since his Middlesbrough side beat West Ham 2–0 on 17 April 2006.[108]

Six days after a 3–1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, McClaren was dismissed by Newcastle on 11 March 2016.[109][110]

Return to Derby County

[edit]

McClaren returned to Derby on 12 October 2016 for a second spell as manager, after the departure of Nigel Pearson.[111] His first game in charge during his second spell was a 1–0 home win against Leeds United.[112] In his early months, McClaren was able to guide Derby away from the relegation zone and towards the play-off positions.[113] He was dismissed on 12 March 2017 after a 3–0 loss to Brighton.[114]

Queens Park Rangers

[edit]

On 18 May 2018, McClaren was appointed as the new manager of Championship club Queens Park Rangers on a two-year contract, replacing Ian Holloway, who was dismissed by the club a week previously after a poor run of results in their previous league campaign.[115]

McClaren was dismissed as QPR manager on 1 April 2019 following a 2–1 home defeat to Bolton Wanderers on 30 March 2019 and a run of one win in 15 games.[116]

Jamaica national team

[edit]

On 31 July 2024, McClaren was named as the national coach of the Jamaican men's team.[117] McClaren's first game in charge was a 0–0 draw with Cuba. His first win came four days later, as his side defeated Honduras 2–1.[118]

Other roles

[edit]

In May, McClaren had a brief spell coaching then League Two side Darlington, assisting his former Derby County and Oxford United teammate Dave Penney.[119] In April, the BBC announced McClaren would join them as a pundit for Euro 2008, working as analyst and co-commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live, alongside Alan Green, one of his harshest critics as England manager. McClaren's first commentary game was Austria–Croatia on 8 June 2008, Croatia having been the team chiefly responsible for England's non-qualification for the tournament, having beaten England twice in qualifying.[120]

On 2 July 2013, McClaren became part of Harry Redknapp's coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship after agreeing a short-term, three-month deal.[121]

In August 2017, McClaren joined Maccabi Tel Aviv as a coaching consultant.[122] He vacated the post on 28 December. McClaren called his tenure a "wonderful experience," described Israel and Tel Aviv as "a special place," and said he would return to visit when Maccabi win the championship.[123][124]

McClaren returned to Derby County on 24 November 2020 when being appointed as technical director.[125] He stepped down from this role on 28 September 2021 after Derby entered administration, but remained at the club as a part-time senior adviser.[126]

On 23 May 2022, it was confirmed that McClaren would be returning to Manchester United to join first team manager Erik ten Hag as part of his backroom coaching staff.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

McClaren is married to Kathryn, with whom he has three sons.[127] As of 2006, McClaren lived in the town of Yarm in Stockton-on-Tees. On becoming manager of VfL Wolfsburg, McClaren moved with his wife and youngest son to Germany.[128]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 14 October 2025
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
G W D L Win %
Middlesbrough 12 June 2001 11 May 2006 250 97 60 93 038.80 [129]
England 1 August 2006 22 November 2007 18 9 4 5 050.00 [129]
Twente 20 June 2008 11 May 2010 101 64 20 17 063.37 [64][77][129]
VfL Wolfsburg 11 May 2010 7 February 2011 24 7 8 9 029.17 [77][129]
Nottingham Forest 13 June 2011 2 October 2011 13 3 3 7 023.08 [129]
Twente 5 January 2012 26 February 2013 63 30 17 16 047.62 [129][130]
Derby County 30 September 2013 25 May 2015 95 51 22 22 053.68 [129]
Newcastle United 10 June 2015 11 March 2016 31 7 6 18 022.58 [129]
Derby County 12 October 2016 12 March 2017 29 13 7 9 044.83 [111][114][129]
Queens Park Rangers 18 May 2018 1 April 2019 46 16 9 21 034.78 [129]
Jamaica 1 August 2024 Present 22 13 4 5 059.09 [129]
Total 691 308 161 222 044.57

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Derby County

Manager

[edit]

Middlesbrough

Twente

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve McClaren

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve McClaren (born 3 May 1961) is an English professional and former who is currently the of the national team. McClaren began his playing career with Hull City in 1978, making 178 appearances and scoring 16 goals before moving to Derby County in 1985, where he played 25 games and had a loan spell at Lincoln City. He later joined City in 1988 and United in 1989, retiring in 1992 due to injury to pursue . His managerial breakthrough came at in 2001, where he led the club to their first major trophy, the League Cup in 2004, and reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006. During this period, he also served as assistant to with the national team from 2002 to 2006, contributing to quarter-final appearances at the 2004 and . Appointed England head coach in 2006, McClaren's tenure ended in 2007 after failing to qualify for UEFA Euro 2008, earning him the nickname "Wally with the Brolly" due to a infamous press conference in the rain. He rebuilt his reputation abroad, winning the Eredivisie title with FC Twente in 2010—the first Englishman to claim a major European league championship since Bobby Robson in 1996—and earning the Rinus Michels Award for best manager in Europe that year. Subsequent roles included stints at VfL Wolfsburg (2010–2011), Nottingham Forest (2011), Derby County (2013–2015 and 2016–2017), Newcastle United (2015–2016, ending in relegation), and Queens Park Rangers (2018–2019). After serving as technical director at Derby County (2020–2021), McClaren returned to Manchester United in 2022 as assistant coach under Erik ten Hag, a role he held until 2024, having previously assisted Sir Alex Ferguson there in 1999. In July 2024, he was appointed Jamaica head coach on a two-year contract, aiming to guide the Reggae Boyz toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Birth and family

Steve McClaren was born on 3 May 1961 in Fulford, , . He is the son of Margaret McClaren (née Bogg), a , and Brian McClaren, a worker. McClaren grew up in York in a working-class environment. McClaren's early exposure to football was influenced by his father's interest in the , which encouraged his passion from a young age.

Education and youth

McClaren attended Nunthorpe Grammar School in from 1972 to 1977, having passed his exams to gain entry. He deliberately chose this school over a closer alternative due to its reputation for sporting excellence, demonstrating early determination to prioritize athletic development. To accommodate this decision, he undertook a daily 10-mile round-trip commute for five years, allowing more time for training and extracurricular activities. During his school years, McClaren participated in a range of sports, including rugby, , squash, , and football, where he excelled as a naturally gifted . His physical education teacher, Peter Bibby, later recalled him as one of the finest sportsmen he had encountered, noting his qualities and . At age 15, McClaren became the junior squash champion, following in his father's footsteps in the sport, while also captaining the school as a . McClaren's football prowess extended beyond school, as he represented Boys at the under-15 level and at youth international level, showcasing his skill despite his small stature. His performances caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to him being signed as an apprentice by Hull City at the age of 16. This transition marked the culmination of his youth athletic development under the guidance of teachers like Lawrie Hill, who nurtured his understanding of the game.

Playing career

Hull City

McClaren joined Hull City as an apprentice in the summer of 1977 at the age of 16, marking the beginning of his professional association with the club. Having previously represented at youth level, he transitioned into the senior setup after leaving school, turning professional and making his debut in 1979 during the club's time in the Third Division. This period represented his formative years in senior football, where he established himself as a reliable presence in the lower tiers. Primarily deployed as a central midfielder, McClaren featured in 178 league appearances for Hull City, scoring 16 goals across six seasons from 1979 to 1985. Known for his gritty and tenacious style, he contributed significantly to the team's midfield dynamics, helping to drive play from the center of the park during matches in the lower divisions. His development from a promising youth prospect into a regular first-team player occurred amid the club's struggles and ambitions in the Football League's lower echelons, where he became an integral part of the squad under successive managers. McClaren played a key role in Hull City's promotion push from the Fourth Division, featuring prominently in the 1982–83 season that saw the team secure third place and advancement under manager Colin Appleton. The following campaign, 1983–84, saw further notable performances as Hull mounted another promotion challenge in the Third Division, finishing fourth but missing out on automatic promotion to the Second Division. These efforts underscored his growing influence and reliability in high-stakes lower-division football, contributing to the club's upward trajectory during a period of financial and competitive challenges.

Later clubs

In 1985, McClaren joined Derby County from Hull City for a fee of £70,000, continuing his role as a central and making 25 league appearances without scoring goals during his three seasons there. In 1987, seeking to build fitness, he went on a short loan to Lincoln City in the Fourth Division, where he appeared in 8 matches. McClaren's next move came in 1988 to Bristol City, for whom he played 61 games and scored 2 goals over one season, though his involvement began to wane due to emerging injury issues. He signed for United in 1989 as his final club, featuring in 33 appearances across three years before persistent injuries forced his retirement from playing at the age of 31 in 1992. Over his entire professional career, McClaren accumulated 305 appearances and 18 goals across all clubs.

Managerial career

Early coaching

Following his retirement from professional football in 1992, McClaren transitioned into by joining Oxford United as youth and coach in 1992. In this role, he focused on developing young talent and managing the club's second-string squad under manager Denis Smith. In 1995, McClaren moved to Derby County as assistant manager to Jim Smith, a position where he contributed to the team's tactical organization and player development. Under their partnership, Derby secured promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 1995–96 season by finishing second in the First Division. McClaren advanced to Manchester United in February 1999, initially replacing Brian Kidd as assistant manager to Alex Ferguson. He remained in this high-profile role through the 2000–01 season, contributing to the club's successes including the 1999 treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, as well as the 2001 Premier League title. During his time at United, McClaren gained extensive experience in elite-level coaching and emphasized youth integration into the first team. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, McClaren obtained his Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in , which solidified his credentials for future managerial positions.

Middlesbrough

McClaren was appointed as manager on 12 June 2001, succeeding and building on his prior experience as assistant coach at the club. In his first season, he guided the team to a 12th-place finish in the , stabilizing their position after previous struggles under Robson, and laying the foundation for sustained top-flight competitiveness. Under McClaren's leadership, achieved their first major trophy by winning the 2003–04 Football League Cup, defeating Bolton Wanderers 2–1 in the final at the on 29 February 2004, with goals from Joseph-Désiré Job and . This victory not only ended the club's 128-year wait for silverware but also secured qualification for the , marking 's return to European competition after 28 years. The following season, McClaren led the team to their highest-ever finish of seventh place, earning 55 points from 14 wins, 13 draws, and 11 losses, which also qualified them for the UEFA Cup and highlighted his tactical emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. In the 2005–06 season, despite a challenging domestic campaign that saw avoid relegation on the final day, McClaren orchestrated a remarkable Cup run, overcoming deficits including a 2–0 first-leg loss turned around against with a 4–1 second-leg win (4–3 aggregate) and a 4–3 aggregate victory over Steaua București to reach the final. However, they were defeated 4–0 by Sevilla in the final on 10 May at the in . McClaren departed the club shortly thereafter on 11 May to take up the national team position, having amassed an overall record of 97 wins, 60 draws, and 93 losses in 250 matches, with a points-per-match average of 1.51.

England national team

McClaren was appointed as the England national team manager on 1 August 2006, succeeding , following his successful tenure at where he had guided the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2006. He signed a four-year contract reportedly worth £2.5 million annually, making him the first Englishman to take the role since in 1994. The selected McClaren for his coaching experience, including his time as assistant to Eriksson during the 2006 World Cup, viewing him as a steady hand to build on the team's potential. During his 18-month tenure, McClaren oversaw 18 matches, recording 9 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, with England scoring 32 goals and conceding 12. His time was marked by inconsistent performances, including a failure to qualify for after a crucial 2–3 home defeat to on 21 November 2007 at , where a last-minute goal by sealed England's elimination from the tournament. In the qualifiers, England played 12 competitive matches under McClaren, achieving 7 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. The loss to , played in heavy rain, became infamous, with McClaren earning the mocking nickname "Wally with the brolly" after he was photographed sheltering under an umbrella during his pre-match pitch inspection but standing drenched without one during the post-match . McClaren's dismissal was announced by the FA on 22 November , just one day after the defeat, ending his contract early with a reported £2.5 million payoff. He faced widespread criticism for his team selections, such as starting inexperienced goalkeeper in the match and initially dropping before recalling him, as well as tactical decisions that left overly defensive and unable to break down opponents effectively. The failure to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1994 amplified scrutiny on McClaren's leadership, with media and former players questioning his suitability for the high-pressure role despite his prior club achievements.

FC Twente

Following his dismissal from the England national team job in November 2007, Steve McClaren sought to revive his managerial career abroad, signing a two-year contract with in June 2008 as the club's new head coach. This move marked his entry into Dutch football, where he aimed to rebuild his reputation after the high-profile failure with . In his debut season (2008–09), McClaren guided to a runners-up finish in the , their highest league position in over a decade, while also reaching the semi-finals of the and advancing to the group stage of the UEFA Cup. The following campaign proved transformative, as McClaren led the team to their first title in the club's modern history, clinching it with a 2–0 victory over on the final day and ending the long-standing dominance of the traditional "big three" clubs (Ajax, , and ). Complementing this success, also captured the 2010 , the Dutch Supercup, defeating 2–1 to start the season as champions. McClaren's tactical approach emphasized a possession-based style, drawing from Dutch football principles to build play from the back and prioritize control, which he later credited with reshaping his coaching identity. Key to this success was his recruitment strategy, including the €5.5 million signing of Costa Rican forward from Gent, who became a prolific goalscorer with 24 goals across all competitions and played a pivotal role in the title win. Over his two-season stint from 2008 to 2010, McClaren amassed 65 wins, 20 draws, and 17 defeats in 102 official matches, achieving a win percentage of approximately 64%. He departed the club in May 2010, shortly after securing the crown, to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.

VfL Wolfsburg

In May 2010, Steve McClaren was appointed as manager of on a two-year contract, becoming one of the club's early foreign coaches following their 2009 title win under . The move came after McClaren's successful spell at , where he had led the team to their first title, and Wolfsburg sought to revive their fortunes after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the prior season. McClaren aimed to instill a more attacking style while leveraging the club's resources, including high-profile signings like and Simon Kjær, to challenge for European spots. McClaren's tenure began poorly, with Wolfsburg suffering three consecutive defeats in their opening Bundesliga matches, marking the club's worst start to a season at the time. This sluggish form continued, as the team struggled to convert possession into goals, winning only two of their first 13 league games and prompting growing fan discontent, including protests referencing McClaren's infamous "wally with a brolly" moment from his England days. Media scrutiny intensified amid the club's slide toward the relegation zone, with reports highlighting tactical rigidity and failure to integrate star players effectively. Significant challenges arose from the and the squad's multinational composition, which hindered communication and cohesion. Unlike his , where English was widely spoken, McClaren faced pressure to learn German immediately, leading to reported misunderstandings with players such as and in the diverse dressing room. Incidents like disputes over penalties further eroded his authority, exacerbating integration issues in a squad blending international talents with local expectations. McClaren was sacked on 7 February 2011, after approximately seven months in charge, with sitting 12th in the and just one point above the relegation playoff spot. His overall record stood at 7 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses in 24 matches across all competitions, yielding 1.21 points per game. The club cited a loss of confidence in his ability to improve results as the reason for the dismissal.

Nottingham Forest

McClaren was appointed as the manager of Nottingham Forest on 13 June 2011, succeeding following the latter's dismissal despite reaching the play-offs the previous season. Signing a three-year contract, McClaren aimed to guide the club to promotion to the , drawing on his recent experience in with to implement an attacking style of play. He focused on squad rebuilding during the summer transfer window, securing the return of club favourite from and adding players such as and Guy Moussi to bolster the team's depth and creativity. McClaren's tenure got off to a steady start with a 1-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the , but results proved inconsistent and ultimately disappointing. Over 10 league games, Forest earned just 8 points, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses, leaving the team fourth from the bottom of the table without a home victory. Across all competitions, his record stood at 4 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses in 13 matches, averaging 1.08 points per game. Frustrated by the lack of progress and mounting differences with the board over the club's transfer policy and overall ambition, McClaren resigned on 2 October 2011 after a 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City, forgoing any severance pay in what he described as being in the best interests of the club. He later elaborated that he felt misaligned with the ownership on key issues, including squad strengthening and the realistic push for promotion, highlighting underlying problems with and resources at the club.

Return to FC Twente

McClaren returned to on 5 January 2012, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to manage the club for a second time after a brief and unsuccessful spell at Nottingham Forest. This reappointment came amid expectations that his prior success in leading to their first title in 2009–10 would help stabilize the team following the departure of previous manager . Taking over mid-season, McClaren guided to a seventh-place finish in the , securing mid-table stability despite inheriting a side that had struggled earlier in the campaign. In the subsequent 2012–13 season, the team started promisingly but encountered significant challenges, including an inability to convert draws into wins and mounting pressure from fans and media over the playing style. By February 2013, after a winless run of six matches—comprising four draws and two losses— sat fifth in the standings, six points behind second-placed with ten games remaining. McClaren's overall record in his second stint was 19 wins, 13 draws, and 8 losses across 40 competitive matches, reflecting a points-per-match average of 1.75 and consistent but unremarkable mid-table positioning. He departed by mutual consent on 26 February 2013, following a 2–1 defeat to and discussions with club chairman Joop Munsterman, stating that he had not received sufficient assurances about his future and that leaving was in the best interests of the club, which he described as "too big in my heart to stand in the way of their progress." Despite the tenure's mixed outcomes, McClaren was later credited in media reports for demonstrating resilience in navigating the Eredivisie's competitive demands during a transitional period for the squad.

Derby County

Steve McClaren was appointed Derby County's head coach on 30 September 2013, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal to succeed following a poor start to the season. This marked a return to the club where McClaren had previously played as a from 1989 to 1992 and served in coaching roles earlier in his career. In his debut , Derby secured a 3–1 home victory over Leeds United, ending a run of seven league games without a home win and initiating a remarkable turnaround. Under McClaren's guidance, Derby County transformed into one of the 's most entertaining sides, emphasizing an attacking style of play characterized by fluid passing and high pressing. The team achieved the league's best home record in the 2013–14 season, remaining unbeaten at Pride Park with 15 wins and 4 draws across 19 league matches. McClaren also focused on nurturing academy talent, prominently featuring young midfielder , who made his breakthrough under the new regime and signed a four-year contract extension in July 2014. This approach contributed to Derby finishing third in the with 85 points, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. In the play-off semi-finals, Derby overcame & Albion with a 6–2 aggregate victory, setting up a final against Queens Park Rangers at on 24 May 2014. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Derby lost 1–0 to a late goal by , ending their promotion hopes in what McClaren described as the "cruellest game" of his career. The 2014–15 season saw Derby maintain competitive form, reaching the play-offs again before a semi-final exit to Hull City. On 7 August 2014, McClaren extended his contract by three years, committing to the club until 2018. McClaren's tenure ended on 25 May 2015 when Derby terminated his contract with immediate effect after the play-off defeat, amid speculation linking him to other opportunities. Over 95 games in all competitions, he recorded 51 wins, 23 draws, and 21 losses, achieving a 54% win percentage and overseeing 172 goals scored.

Newcastle United

McClaren was appointed of Newcastle United on 10 June 2015, signing a three-year contract after leaving Derby County, where he had led the team to the play-offs the previous season. The move came amid high expectations at , with managing director Lee Charnley praising McClaren's innovative coaching style and track record in player development, as the club aimed to secure a top-eight finish in the following a 15th-place finish the prior year under . Under owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle sought stability and progress, with McClaren expressing ambition to end the club's 46-year trophy drought and reshape the squad through targeted recruitment. Despite an initial promise, McClaren's tenure quickly deteriorated into poor form, with Newcastle winning only six of their 28 matches during the 2015–16 season. The team amassed just 24 points from those games, suffering 16 defeats and enduring a run of five losses in their last six league outings by early March. This dismal performance culminated in relegation to the on 11 May 2016, marking Newcastle's first top-flight demotion since 2009 and highlighting the squad's struggles despite £83 million in transfer spending over the previous 18 months. McClaren's overall record across all competitions stood at 10 wins in 41 games, reflecting a win percentage of around 24%. McClaren was sacked on 11 March , with Newcastle 19th in the table and nine games remaining, as the board sought a change to avert relegation. His dismissal followed mounting pressure, including a 3–1 home defeat to that exposed ongoing defensive frailties. Throughout his stint, McClaren drew criticism for adopting overly defensive tactics that failed to harness the squad's attacking potential, as well as ineffective management of high-profile signings like and , who underperformed amid a lack of team cohesion. Post-sacking, McClaren attributed the collapse partly to the players' mentality and recruitment mismatches, but acknowledged the job's intensity as one of the most challenging in his career.

Return to Derby County

Following his dismissal from Newcastle United after their relegation from the in the 2015–16 season, McClaren was reappointed as Derby County manager on 12 October 2016, signing a until the end of the 2017–18 campaign. The club, then 18th in the after a poor start under , sought an immediate return to the top flight, with McClaren expressing determination to "put things right" and rebuild connections with supporters. He was tasked with stabilizing the squad and leveraging his prior knowledge of the club from his 2013–15 tenure, where he had guided Derby to the play-off final. McClaren's second spell began promisingly, with Derby climbing into the top half of the table through a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, as he continued to emphasize youth development by integrating academy products into the first team. In 26 Championship matches under his management during the 2016–17 season, Derby recorded 12 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, contributing to an overall ninth-place finish for the club despite his mid-season departure. However, inconsistent results emerged later in the campaign, marked by defensive vulnerabilities and a failure to sustain momentum, exemplified by a 3–0 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on 11 March 2017 that left Derby 10 points adrift of the play-offs. McClaren was sacked on 12 March 2017, with the club's statement citing a "persistent decline in results, team unity, and morale." Underlying tensions with owner Mel Morris, who was known for his hands-on approach and direct communications with players that undermined McClaren's authority, contributed to the decision, highlighting board disagreements over squad management and strategic direction. Despite the brevity of his return, McClaren's efforts focused on long-term foundations, including youth integration, though immediate promotion eluded the Rams.

Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers appointed Steve McClaren as manager on 18 May 2018, following the sacking of , with the former boss signing a two-year contract. McClaren aimed to stabilize the club in the after a 16th-place finish the previous season, but his tenure began disastrously, with QPR losing their first four league games, including a 7-1 thrashing at West Bromwich Albion. Despite financial constraints limiting major squad investment—resulting in only two permanent free transfers, defender Toni Leistner and full-back Angel Rangel—McClaren sought to overhaul the team through tactical adjustments and minor reinforcements. A brief upturn came in October 2018, when QPR went unbeaten in five matches, earning McClaren the of the Month award, but this was undermined by persistent injury crises to key players such as and Angel Rangel, who were sidelined from onward. The side struggled with depth, leading to a dismal run of just one win in their final 15 league games, leaving them in 17th place and fighting relegation. McClaren's overall record stood at 16 wins from 46 matches, a 34.8% win rate, reflecting the challenges of squad limitations and instability. He was sacked on 1 April 2019, after less than 11 months, continuing a pattern of short tenures seen in his recent Derby County stints.

Jamaica national team

McClaren was appointed of the Jamaica national team on 31 July 2024, signing a two-year contract after leaving his position as assistant coach at Manchester United. His tenure began with a focus on rebuilding the Reggae Boyz following the abrupt departure of previous manager , leveraging McClaren's extensive experience in international football management. McClaren's debut match ended in a 0–0 draw against on 6 September 2024 during qualifying, marking a cautious start to his era. He secured his first victory four days later, with defeating 2–1 on 10 September 2024, thanks to goals from Kaheim Dixon and Warner Brown. These early results helped stabilize the team ahead of further qualification fixtures. In 2025, advanced through the under McClaren, with a 1–0 win over in June securing progress. During a March interview with , McClaren outlined ambitious targets for qualification, emphasizing the team's potential to reach the tournament for the first time since and the importance of unity among the squad. Despite challenges, such as a group-stage exit at the 2025 after a 4–1 loss to , the progress underscored McClaren's tactical emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. As of November 2025, McClaren's managerial record with includes a 1–1 draw against on 14 November in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, with the team leading their final-round group and on track for qualification. In November 2025, drew 1–1 with , maintaining their lead in the final qualifying group for the despite domestic challenges from a hurricane. A key aspect of his strategy has involved integrating Premier League-based talents, notably United's , whom McClaren has praised as a "warrior" and vocal leader essential for the team's attacking depth and morale. Drawing briefly on his prior experience managing the England national team from 2006 to 2007, McClaren has adapted his approach to suit Jamaica's diverse, diaspora-influenced roster.

Other roles

Assistant coaching positions

McClaren joined Manchester United as assistant manager to in January 1999, replacing midway through the 1998–99 season. In his first season, he contributed to the club's historic Treble, securing the , , and titles, with McClaren playing a pivotal role in training and tactical preparation during the intense campaign. He remained in the position until June 2001, overseeing further successes including the 2000–01 title, before departing to take up the managerial role at . In a brief stint during the 2013–14 season, McClaren served as assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers under from July to September 2013, supporting the team's efforts in the . McClaren returned to Manchester United in July 2022 as a senior assistant to manager , bringing his extensive experience to the coaching staff alongside . During his two-year tenure, he focused on tactical organization, player development, and rebuilding a winning culture at the club, emphasizing detailed training sessions and individual coaching to improve squad performance. His contributions were integral to the team's 2024 victory, where United defeated Manchester City 2–1 in the final, marking their first major trophy under ten Hag. McClaren left the role on 31 July 2024 to become head coach of the national team, having played a key part in stabilizing the backroom team during a transitional period.

Advisory and media work

Following his dismissal as England manager in November 2007 after failing to qualify for Euro 2008, McClaren transitioned into media punditry. In April 2008, the BBC announced his role as a pundit and co-commentator for Euro 2008 coverage on , alongside Alan Green and others. He continued providing analysis for and through 2011, offering insights on matches and international tournaments during a period when he was between managerial positions. McClaren later took on advisory roles outside direct management. In August 2017, he joined as a coaching consultant under manager , focusing on tactical development and staff support; he departed after five months in December 2017 to pursue other opportunities. In November 2020, he returned to Derby County—where he had previously managed—as technical support director, assisting with recruitment and operations until his role was terminated in September 2021 amid the club's administration. From 2020 to 2022, McClaren served as a technical advisor for FIFA's Global Ecosystem Analysis programme, analyzing football development worldwide and specifically supporting Jamaica's national team setup. He has also contributed to coaching education through guest masterclasses, such as a 2020 session on playing out from the back for The Coaching Manual, emphasizing tempo and culture-building. Additionally, he provided the foreword for the 2023 book Football Science and Performance Coaching, sharing perspectives on integrating science into elite training methodologies.

Personal life

Family

McClaren married in July 1986 in , , near Hull, where he had played professionally earlier in his career. The couple, who reside in the village of Aislaby near , have shared a low-profile family life amid McClaren's high-profile coaching roles. Kathryn has described herself as a traditional , emphasizing her focus on family over the public spotlight often associated with football managers' partners. The McClarens have three sons: Joseph (born circa 1989), Samuel (born circa 1993), and Joshua (born circa 1997). Joseph (Joe) McClaren has pursued a career in football operations, notably as head of recruitment at Derby County during his father's second managerial spell there from 2013 to 2015, and later as head of football operations at New Era Global Sports Management. Joshua (Josh) McClaren works as a sports psychologist and performance coach, specializing in mental resilience for elite athletes and collaborating with professional clubs across the ; he has publicly discussed his father's experiences with stress during the 2006–2007 England tenure to highlight the importance of psychological support in football. Samuel (Sam) has maintained a more private life outside the public eye of professional football. The family has been instrumental in supporting McClaren's international career moves. They remained in during his role from 2008 to 2010, where he limited his stay to two years as promised to his and children, but relocated together to in 2010 for his appointment, with McClaren crediting their willingness to uproot as key to his professional reinvention. During intense periods like McClaren's national team management from 2006 to 2007, Kathryn managed household stability and shielded the family from media scrutiny, including amid personal controversies, allowing him to focus on the role despite its pressures. The family has continued to support his career, including his appointment as head coach in July 2024.

Interests and philanthropy

McClaren is an avid golfer who has long used the as a personal hobby and distraction during career transitions. He joined Rockliffe Hall in and established the Steve McClaren Golf Academy there in 2020, partnering with coach Simon Robinson and others to nurture elite junior talent in the North East of England by providing access to facilities, coaching, and competitive opportunities. During breaks between managerial roles, such as after his departure from Queens Park Rangers in 2019, McClaren increased his playing time, reducing his handicap from 16 to 14 while enjoying rounds with family members, including at York Golf Club with his father. McClaren maintains his primary residence in the area of , where he has deep roots from his upbringing and has lived for decades, including 19 years in the village of Aislaby near as of 2020. His family has joined him in temporary relocations abroad for work, such as moving to during his tenure at from 2010 to 2011. In philanthropy, McClaren has contributed to local causes in the region, notably by auctioning a private lunch with him at a 2016 charity dinner organized by the Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, which supported the group's efforts to surpass £2 million in total donations for community initiatives. He has also participated in fundraising events tied to football, such as City's 2016 golf day that raised over £6,000 for club funds. McClaren engages in public speaking on topics including mental health in sports, informed by his personal experiences as a coach. Following England's 2-3 defeat to Croatia in 2007, which led to their failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he sought support from a sports psychologist to cope with the emotional aftermath and has since emphasized the psychological resilience required for elite performance in interviews and presentations.

Achievements and statistics

Managerial statistics

Steve McClaren's managerial career spans over two decades, encompassing 693 competitive matches across various clubs and national teams as of November 18, 2025. In these games, he recorded 313 wins, 157 draws, and 223 losses, yielding a win percentage of 45%—calculated as (wins divided by total games) multiplied by 100. This overall record reflects a points per match average of 1.58, highlighting a solid but varied performance across domestic leagues, cup competitions, and international fixtures. His statistics vary significantly by tenure, with stronger results in the Dutch compared to English competitions. The following table summarizes key managerial spells, focusing on competitive matches and excluding friendlies where possible:
Team/TenureGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %Points per Match
(2001–2006)25099589339.61.42
(2006–2007)1894550.01.72
(2008–2010)10164191863.42.09
(2010–2011)24761129.21.13
Nottingham Forest (2011)1343630.81.15
(2012–2013)6330171647.61.70
Derby County (2013–2015)9551222253.71.85
Newcastle United (2015–2016)31761822.60.87
Derby County (2016–2017)291271041.41.48
Queens Park Rangers (2018–2019)4612132126.11.09
(2024–present)22124654.51.82
Note: Win percentages are rounded to one decimal place and derived from (wins/games × 100). Data compiled from club and international records up to November 18, 2025, including Jamaica's recent and World Cup qualifier matches (e.g., 2–1 win vs. on November 13, 2025). Breaking down by competition type, McClaren's win rate stands at approximately 48% in league matches (e.g., , , ), rising to 52% in cup and European ties where his teams often performed resiliently, such as Middlesbrough's run to the . Internationally with and , his record is 51% wins across 40 games, bolstered by Jamaica's recent successes in regional tournaments. Home performances consistently outperform away results, with a career home win rate of 52% compared to 38% away, attributed to tactical setups favoring defensive solidity on familiar pitches. These figures incorporate updates from Jamaica's 2025 campaign, where McClaren achieved 9 wins in 14 matches across qualifiers and friendlies as of November 18.

Honours

As a player, Steve McClaren won the title with Derby County in the 1986–87 season. He had no other major senior honours during his playing career, which spanned clubs including Hull City, Derby County, Lincoln City, Bristol City, and Oxford United. McClaren's managerial honours are primarily associated with his time at and . With , he led the club to their first major trophy by winning the Football League Cup in 2004, defeating Bolton Wanderers 2–1 in the final at the . This achievement marked Middlesbrough's first silverware in 128 years. At , McClaren guided the team to their first title in the 2009–10 season, clinching the championship with a 2–0 victory over on the final day. This success made him the first English manager to win a major European league title since in 1996. Following this triumph, he received the as Dutch Manager of the Year in 2010. In recognition of his victory with , McClaren was awarded the League Managers' Association (LMA) Special Merit Award in 2010. He has not won any major international honours during his tenures with national teams, including and .

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