After the departure of Ian Holloway, Queens Park Rangers have turned to Steve McClaren. When QPR appointed Holloway ten years after his last post at the club, hopes were high that the Hoops would at least get into the play-offs.
Gamble on Steve McClaren
Steve McClaren is something of a managerial enigma. Having worked as assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, his first job came at Middlesbrough. McClaren was a success at ‘Boro leading, them to the 2004 League Cup title and runners-up in the 2006 UEFA cup final. At this time his managerial stock was at a high. Despite his success with Manchester United and Middlesbrough, Steve McClaren is still seen as a gamble for QPR.
To Holland and Back Again
In 2009, Steve McClaren set sail for Holland. There, he became manager of FC Twente and won the league title in his second year in charge. Despite being mocked for his Dutch ‘accent’ the Twente fans and Dutch media fell in love with McClaren. McClaren returned to England with Nottingham Forest but headed back to Holland and to Twente. His second spell was welcomed by the Twente fans but ended in his resignation after some poor results.
National Disaster
Steve McClaren had become a recognised manager and landed the top job in England in 2006. The results were far from impressive and he became the second shortest managerial reign for the national squad.
Yo-Yo Man
Whilst Steve McClaren has done well at times, his stock has somewhat fallen in recent seasons. He has Championship experience but there is a question mark over whether he can adapt to the ever-changing pace of modern football.
Queens Park Rangers want Premier League football again and appointing McClaren is a bold move. Whether he can take them back to the Premier League will remain to be seen.
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