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Steve McClaren’s Twente one win from Dutch League title
Steve McLaren is one win away from securing the first domestic league title of his managerial career. FC Twente now need just three points from their final game in the Dutch Eredivisie season in order to be crowned champions.
McLaren’s side faced tough opposition against Feyenoord this weekend, but goals either side of the break from Blaise Nkufo and Miroslav Stoch were sufficient to overcome their fifth-placed rivals.
It was a vital win for Twente as Martin Jol’s Ajax continue their relentless pursuit of top spot. The Amsterdam giants put four past Heracles but remain second due to the result at Enschede.
The destination of the Eredivisie title still remains uncertain with a single point separating first from second but should the ‘Tukkers’ win against mid-table Nac Breda next week, the title will be theirs irrespective of Ajax’s result.
FC Twente will also claim the title should they match Ajax’s result against NEC Nijmegen.
Unfairly nicknamed the “wally with the brolly†in the wake of England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, McLaren’s reputation was severely dented after his spell as England boss despite building an impressive CV at Middlesbrough
The highlights of his spell at the Riverside came when he guided the club to a League Cup triumph in 2004 and to the UEFA Cup final two years later.
Should McClaren win the Dutch League it would surely eclipse his thrilling European run with Middlesbrough as Twente have only won the League on one occasion, way back in 1926.
Their consistency under the Englishman’s stewardship has been astonishing. He guided the club to the runners-up spot last season and is set to go one better in this campaign.
During this seasons campaign they have played attractive football while remaining solid in defence, conceding only 23 goals in 33 games.
Ajax have scored 102 goals during their title push with an astounding goal difference of +82 but their impressive goal tally will be insignificant should FC Twente maintain composure for one final game and secure the title they crave.
Well it took him a while to win over the fans
Nice to be out of Fergie’s shadow
I’m delighted for him, he was written off after the England job. Any coach who beats the giants of Feyenoord, PSV and Ajax to the title is performing excellently. I haven’t been following his progress in much detail but I get the sense there is much respect for what he has achieved over there
In reaction of Tommy Crean; yes, McLaren earned my respect as Dutchman. He was, as we call in the Netherlands, ‘burned down by the press’ as England boss. But i think he’s a brilliant coach and the perfect people manager. Just like Bobby Robson was, the last English coach who won the Dutch title, back in the nineties with PSV.
Today, Mr Mclaren has won the dutch League Title with FC Twenthe. A very big compliment for this man. I hope this news will be written in higlights in the UK.
As a Brit who has lived in the Netherlands for over 40 years I sincerely hope that a lot of British reporters are now feeling very ashamed of themselves. The way the British press treated Steve McLaren as England’s coach was appalling. He is very much respected here as a real gentleman, and everyone here (except perhaps die-hard Ajax fans) is delighted at his, and Twente’s, success. What a great birthday present for him today, the tribute paid to him by Twente’s fans.
