Steve McClaren could be confirmed as Middlesbrough coach tomorrow - but Terry Venables' future at the Riverside looks increasingly uncertain. McClaren looks set to quit Manchester United and move to the north east in preference to a move to West Ham, who had originally been favourites to land Sir Alex Ferguson's number two.
But Middlesbrough have emerged as the new favourites after holding talks with United's assistant manager yesterday. McClaren, 40, was impressed by the set-up at Boro and felt he would have more money to spend than he would have at West Ham or Southampton.
Meanwhile Venables, who guided the club to Premiership safety after joining as head coach alongside Bryan Robson last December, has signed a five-year extension to his contract with ITV. The 58-year-old will now help spearhead ITV's coverage of Premiership football next season.
And, with the Teesside club closing in on McClaren, it remains to be seen what role the former England coach would command at the Riverside Stadium.
“I've enjoyed a fantastic relationship with ITV over the past few years and am delighted that it is continuing,” said Venables last night. “I'm particularly looking forward to working alongside Desmond Lynam on the Saturday evening highlights programme.”
Venables was ready to call time on his stay at Boro last week before further talks with club chairman Steve Gibson persuaded him that he could still play some part in the team's plans for next season. (PA)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
