How Venables' plan for Hargreaves to secure a draw against Croatia fell on McClaren's deaf ears

Within seconds of Peter Crouch's equalising goal in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier, McClaren's No2 suggested introducing the Manchester United midfielder from the substitutes' bench.

Venables believed that, with the score at 2-2, England were through to the European finals and the presence of Hargreaves in a holding role in front of a defence might protect the single point that would have ensured qualification.

But Hargreaves was left unused as, instead, McClaren emerged from under his umbrella to instruct half-time substitute Jermain Defoe to play a deeper role. Crouch's equaliser came in the 65th minute and the priority for the 25 minutes that remained was simply to hold on to the point.

Afterwards, McClaren said that he was about to put on Hargreaves when Mladen Petric, unchallenged in yards of space, scored the winner that knocked England out and cost the manager his job. The decisive goal came 12 minutes after Crouch had equalised.

The incident provides further evidence of the tactical knowledge on which Venables' reputation has been built.

One of McClaren's first decisions when he was appointed manager 18 months ago was to invite Venables on to his staff because he knew that his grasp of strategy would be invaluable as England negotiated what was seen as a fairly uncomplicated qualifying programme.

The former QPR, Tottenham and Barcelona manager was the last England coach to get anywhere near a trophy.

In 1996, his team reached the semi-finals of the European Championship, beating Holland 4-1 along the way in one of the most convincing England performances of that era.

But just how much input Venables had in McClaren's brief reign is almost impossible to ascertain, although it was clear to anyone watching training sessions that he had a rapport with the players.

They enjoyed his ideas and appreciated his knowledge and in years to come are likely to rank him among the best coaches they worked with.

But just what Venables felt he contributed we may never know. He was discouraged from talking to the media and the advantage of a low profile meant he escaped much of the criticism that engulfed McClaren.

There is also little doubt that while McClaren listened intently to his advisers, all the major decisions were his alone. That is the impression he liked to give.

So, although Venables was sacked along with McClaren - learning the news from TV - his coaching reputation remains pretty much intact. The Republic of Ireland, for instance, are now giving him serious consideration as they seek a new manager.