McClaren: no excuses

Steve McClaren this afternoon spoke of the "saddest day of my career" after being sacked as England manager.

Fans have your say on the shambles by clicking McClaren sacked: Have your say

The manager said that he had no regrets but told supporters that he took full responsibility for the failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

A hastily arranged Football Association board meeting at Soho Square rubber-stamped McClaren's departure. His time in office came to a humiliating end with last night's 3-2 defeat by Croatia at Wembley.

Assistant coach Terry Venables was also sacked today.

McClaren said: "This is the saddest day of my career - 18 months ago was the proudest day of my career.

"It was a great honour to be the head coach and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"It is sad to be removed from my post but I understand the decision of the FA and the huge disappointment of the people who are really upset, the fans.

"I am not making any excuses. We failed to get the results and I have paid the price."

McClaren, who was told of the sacking in a phone call this morning, said that he had received many messages of support from England players.

He said: "I want England to achieve, I have worked with these players for six years now. I am a fan and I am as disappointed as everyone."

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho were today installed as the two favourites as the FA said it would be happy to take on a foreign coach. FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "I would like to apologise to the fans personally. I care about this passionately.

"I'm in this job because I care about football and football fans and football teams."

Barwick said that the decision to sack McClaren was unanimous.

He said: "In the end, not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short. Qualification for a major tournament is probably a minimum requirement.

"The recruitment process for the new coach begins now, and we will do everything to get the right man for the job. It will be done differently," he said.

Pressed on whether there will be a change of tack in the appointment process after pressure was brought to bear to bring in an Englishman following Sven-Goran Eriksson's exit, Barwick made it clear all candidates will be considered. "I don't think nationality will be an issue," he said.

FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "We expect as a major nation in Europe to qualify for the European Championships and World Cups.

"Of course we're embarrassed, disappointed - disappointed like all fans."