McClaren departs Maccabi

FOOTBALL FORMER ENGLAND boss Steve McClaren has stepped down as Maccabi Tel Aviv’s coaching consultant.

He has been replaced by Spaniard Carlos Garcia Badias, 33, the former Maccabi defender, who has retired from playing and been appointed assistant coach.

McClaren joined Maccabi at the start of the season on a rolling contract renewable at the start of each month. He was hired to assist Jordi Cruyff, who, after four years as general manager, decided he wanted to coach for the first time in his career.

McClaren was reportedly promised the option of replacing Cruyff, if the Dutchman failed and, for much of the Englishman’s five months in Tel Aviv, Maccabi were struggling, and he seemed set to take over.

But a recent run of good form saw the club win the Toto Cup, the club’s first trophy in three years, and move to within four points of league leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva.

McClaren, who has been linked to several management vacancies in the Championship including those at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, said: “It’s with much regret I have to return to England and leave my role at Maccabi Tel Aviv. I would like to thank so many people for making my time at Maccabi such a wonderful experience including the loyal, hard-working staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, a great set of talented players and the passionate fans.”

His last English managerial post was with Derby, who sacked him for the second time last March. Maccabi chief executive Ben Mansford has hinted that McClaren may have something lined up in England.

Cruyff added: “Steve advised me a great deal personally and the club benefited greatly from his input and his wealth of experience.”