England can jettison McClaren on cheap

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

McClaren could go after the Croatia game on November 21 if, as expected, England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

Although his deal was initially announced as a four-year contract, members of the FA board insisted on a break clause in the summer of 2008, following the fiasco that saw Sven Goran Eriksson paid about £5 million in compensation.

McClaren is entitled to a year's salary as pay-off — about £2.5m. But the FA would only pay him up until the break clause next summer, reducing that to about £1.4m.

And should McClaren get another job before next June, the FA would only have to make up any shortfall compared with his England salary.

FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking is poised to stand in as caretaker. That would allow FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who himself is under pressure having appointed McClaren in shambolic circumstances, to spend the spring searching for a successor.

Jurgen Klinsmann and Martin O'Neill are likely to head Barwick's list with the FA's previous favourite, Luiz Felipe Scolari, out of favour after being banned by UEFA for three games over his 'assault' of Serbia player Ivica Dragutinovic last month.

Despite the popularity of ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, the FA would be reluctant to appoint a manager who so often seems to court controversy.

Although there would be little financial penalty in sacking McClaren, FA insiders admit that even in the bestcase scenario they expect to lose £10m if they fail to make Euro 2008.

England issues are sure to be discussed at the FA's monthly board meeting a week on Wednesday, even if they are not on the formal agenda. The main item will be to discuss applicants for the job of new independent chairman, to be appointed next year.

Labour politicians Richard Caborn and Charles Clarke are expected to apply, as is ex-Football League chairman and investment banker Keith Harris.