Steve McClaren, the former England manager, has made a surprise return to football after being appointed as the new Head of Football at Rotherham United. The 65-year-old takes on the role following the club's recent relegation to Sky Bet League Two, with a primary brief to spearhead the rebuilding efforts and oversee the appointment of a new manager.
McClaren's New Role
McClaren's appointment comes after he concluded his tenure as head coach of the Jamaican national team in November. He will now work closely with Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart, a long-standing friend, to provide strategic leadership and oversight across the club's football operations. The club is currently without a manager following the departure of Lee Clark earlier this month, and McClaren will be instrumental in finding his successor.
A Wealth of Experience
McClaren brings a vast amount of experience to the role. His coaching career includes assisting Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, guiding Middlesbrough to League Cup glory, and winning the Dutch Eredivisie title with FC Twente. He also managed the England national team from 2006 to 2007, leading them to qualification for Euro 2008, though they failed to reach the tournament. His extensive CV also includes stints at Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United, as well as spells abroad with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.
Rebuilding at Rotherham
Rotherham United's relegation to League Two has necessitated a significant rebuild, and McClaren's experience in football operations is seen as vital to the club's future success. Chairman Tony Stewart expressed his delight at the appointment, highlighting McClaren's strategic acumen and leadership qualities. McClaren himself stated that he is excited by the challenge and looks forward to helping the club bounce back.
McClaren's return to the game marks a new chapter in his long and varied career. His role as Head of Football will focus on long-term planning, player recruitment, and the development of the club's youth academy, as well as the immediate task of appointing a new manager.
