BBC SPORT | Football | McClaren quits as Eriksson stays

Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren has stepped down from his England coaching role to concentrate on club affairs.

But England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has pledged to stay on despite Adam Crozier's departure as FA chief executive.

McClaren insisted his decision was nothing to do with the upheaval at the FA caused by Crozier's downfall.

"This is purely my own decision," he insisted.

"Indeed, it is a decision I have been considering for some time as my role with Middlesbrough - which must, of course, be my first priority - has taken up more time.

I am determined to carry on in my job

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

"I actually told Adam of my intention to step down earlier this week. Sven has known for some time too, as I spoke to him after England's Euro 2004 qualifying tie with Macedonia.

"We part on excellent terms and I firmly believe England has a very bright future under Sven's leadership."

FA's search begins

Speaking for the first time since Crozier's resignation, Eriksson admitted the news was a bombshell.

He said: "I am shocked and saddened by the news - like everybody else at the FA.

"But I am determined to carry on in my job," he told thefa.com.

Tord Grip says the future is uncertain
However, Eriksson's assistant, Tord Grip, is not certain how long Eriksson will remain in charge of England.

Grip told Swedish newspaper Expressen that the coaching duo would weigh up their future plans in the upcoming weeks.

"I don't know what will happen, I really have no idea," he said.

"It's not the sort of decision you make in five minutes. It's Sven's own decision and strictly speaking I'm employed by him.

Press reaction Crozier exit

"We need to talk to Adam Crozier, he's still going to be here during a transition period.

"It's not something we can take a decision on yet."

Crozier was a key figure in the negotiations to bring Eriksson to England in January 2001, when he persuaded the Swede to leave Lazio where he had just secured the Serie A title.

Eriksson's England have struggled for form so far this season, sneaking a 2-1 win in Slovakia before managing just a 2-2 draw at home to Macedonia.

He has also been plagued by newspaper revelations over his private life.

Your say: Crozier right to resign?


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