McClaren relishing Twente challenge

Steve McClaren vowed to build on the achievements of predecessor Fred Rutten after being confirmed as the new coach of FC Twente on Friday.

The former England manager, who has been out of work since November following the country's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, has agreed a two-year deal at the Eredivisie club.

McClaren told Twente's official website: "I would like to say to the fans, about whom I have heard a lot, that we will do everything we can to bring the club further success."

He added: "I am delighted that I have got the chance to become coach of FC Twente.

"I noted from the first meeting with chairman Joop Munsterman and other people at the club that they were very co-operative.

"It's an exciting time for the club, they were very successful under Fred Rutten and I cannot wait to meet the players and technical staff and to get to work.

"It's a great challenge for me to be with FC Twente in the Eredivisie and Champions League and I think we can all start with a positive feeling for the new season."

Twente beat the likes of more established Dutch sides Ajax and Feyenoord to the second Champions League qualification place in the Eredivise last term.

The Enschede outfit finished fourth in the league, but beat the Amsterdam giants in a play-off to claim a spot in the third qualifying round of Europe's premier club competition.