Clifford (L) was to help McClaren in his relations with the media

Clifford was hired by McClaren's Key Sports Management company to "promote and protect" him in the media.

But Clifford claims the Football Association was unhappy with him working with McClaren.

"It has become increasingly obvious to me that I am surplus to needs. The FA wants to take care of everything to do with the media," he said.

Clifford represented former FA secretary Faria Alam after she hit the headlines following her affairs with former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and former FA chief executive Mark Palios.

What was made very clear to me in the beginning was that the FA were very unhappy with my appointment Max Clifford

He was brought on board by McClaren earlier this year but after a promising start to their relationship, Clifford claims things went downhill quickly.

"In the early days it was warm and friendly and had all the signs of a promising relationship," Clifford added to BBC Five Live Sport.

"In the early stages Steve certainly seemed to understand my advice and I think a lot of the things I talked about, he would like to have done but it just didn't materialise.

"The relationship now is virtually non-existent. If I can't take part and I can't contribute then there is no point in me staying involved.

"What was made very clear to me in the beginning was that the FA were very unhappy with my appointment."

McClaren has come under fire for England's disappointing displays in the draw with Macedonia and the loss to Croatia.

He has since cancelled a fact-finding trip to the United States in order to focus on watching Premiership players - a move criticised by Clifford.

"Suddenly to do a full circle, to say 'we're not going', things like that to me show Steve is not making his own mind up any more, people are making up his mind for him," he said.

"Once you start being dictated to by your bosses or the media then I'm afraid it's a difficult but slippery slope downwards."