Steve McLaren leaves FC Twente after poor results

STEVE McLaren has resigned as manager of FC Twente following a string of poor results which have seen the Dutch side slump to fifth place.

• Steve McLaren resigns from FC Twente after being without win since December

• FC Twente currently fifth in Dutch league

• Former England manager won Dutch title in first spell as manager in 2010

McLaren left by mutual consent after talks with club chairman Joop Munsterman following a 2-1 defeat to Heerenveen that leaves the club six points behind Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven. 

The club accepted McLaren’s resignation after failing to come to an agreement about the former Middlesbrough manager’s future.

FC Twente had been without a win since December 21, since which the former Eredivisie champions have only collected four points from a possible 18.

McLaren said he left a “proud man” as his second spell at the club - at which he helmed FC Twente’s maiden Eredivisie title in 2010 - came to an end.

However, the former England boss also acknowledged the criticism from both the press and the fans following a run of results that has left them struggling to qualify for European competition with 10 league games remaining.

“The club is bigger than any one individual and Twente is too big in my heart to stand in the way of its progress. I leave with the team with 10 games to go, still able to achieve its expectations of a top-four finish, which I am positive they will do.

“I leave a proud man to have managed Twente. It has brought me many good memories and one of the greatest days in my career when winning the title in 2010. The support received from the club, staff, players and fans has always been much appreciated and I leave sad and disappointed it has ended in these circumstances, but wish the staff and the team success in the future.”

Munsterman expressed disappointment at McLaren’s decision to leave, saying: “We believe that the disappointing performance of FC Twente under Steve McClaren could be reversed,” the president said.

“Steve has however indicated that it is in the interest of everyone to leave the club immediately. We understand his decision and respect it. It is disappointing to say goodbye to the trainer under whose leadership FC Twente won the league title in 2010.”

Alfred Schreuder will take charge of FC Twente in the interim.