Former Derby County manager, Steve McClaren was part of Erik Ten Hag’s first team coaching team and has now accepted a new position as head coach of the Jamaican team after being linked with the Super Eagles job.
Departure from Manchester United
The Red Devils’ assistant manager was reported to have been among the three top foreign coaches initially considered for the coaching job of the Super Eagles.
However, on Wednesday evening the Jamaica Football Federation (J. F. F) stated that McClaren is now the coach of the Reggae Boyz, which meant that he could no longer take the Eagles job.
Super Eagles’ Coaching Vacancy
The Eagles job opened up after Finidi George’s resignation due to negative performance of the Super Eagles in the June internationals against Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin.
Before Finidi’s resignation, the Nigeria Football Federation hinted that a foreign coach would be hired for the Super Eagles in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with mooted move for Hervé Renard, the former coach of Ivory Coast as reported by Sportsbuddy.
In his new position, Steve McClaren has a lot of experience to offer.
McClaren’s Career and Connections
Steve McClaren brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
He previously worked with former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni at Middlesbrough in the 2005-2006 season and current Super Eagles right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel at Queens Park Rangers in the 2018-2019 season.
McClaren has not been managing any team since he left Queens Park Rangers about five years ago.
He has also coached other teams such as Twente, VfL Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Newcastle United, and the English national team.
Future for the Super Eagles
The Super Eagles are scheduled to resume their activity in September 2024, playing the Republic of Benin and Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
As the Nigerian Football Federation continues to look for a new head coach.
