Steve McClaren says he’s ‘very lucky’ to be given second shot at Derby
STEVE McCLAREN insists he cut his own throat in failing to put a stop to speculation linking him with Newcastle United in 2015.
In the end he lost his job at Derby County first time around after failing to take the Rams into the Championship play-offs following a disastrous late-season collapse.
McClaren was continuously linked with Newcastle Alan Pardew’s departure in January 2015 - and he would eventually take over at St James’ Park in June of last year.
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Following his second unveiling as Derby manager, McClaren admitted his regret at failing to distance himself from the Newcastle job 18 months ago.
That led to a breakdown in his relationship with Derby chairman Mel Morris - though the pair have since reconciled.
Said McClaren: “I am a very, very lucky person. I feel very lucky, very honoured to be given the opportunity to come back.
“My mistake was not quashing that [the Newcastle speculation and rumour], not dampening that, and not committing. That is my fault and I apologise for that.
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“By the time I had committed to the club [Derby], the club had every right to sack me, and they did.
“I could have no qualms about it.”
Former England boss McClaren was dismissed by Newcastle in March with the Magpies deep in the Premier League relegation zone.
His second coming begins with a home date against Leeds on Saturday. But he's still sad at the way he helped fuel his exit from the iPro Stadium.
“I failed to quash that [the Newcastle speculation], calm that, and that was my mistake.
“I did not do it quickly enough and, by the end, it was too late.
“I always felt I had a good relationship here with people, the staff, the players, the supporters.
“It was really just an unfortunate end last time that has really soured things – for myself, the staff, the players, the supporters, for everybody.
“I have to accept some responsibility for that, and I do, but I am looking forward to what is a fantastic challenge.
“Now we have to work together and produce a team the supporters can once again be proud of.”