Wally with the Brolly goes Dutch as FC Twente unveil McClaren as new boss

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Former England manager Steve McClaren has started life as FC Twente's new boss, insisting the move to Holland would improve him as a coach.

McClaren, who was brilliantly dubbed the 'Wally with the Brolly' by Sportsmail before being sacked by the FA following a miserable stint in charge of the national team, during which they failed to qualify for the current European Championships, signed a two-year contract with the Enschede club in front of the media this morning.

And he was quick to outline his enthusiasm for a job he was advised to accept by another former England boss, Sir Bobby Robson.

'I have always wanted to work abroad. From my time with Manchester United in
Europe and with Middlesbrough in Europe and from in international football with
England, I have always sampled European football. It has always excited me,"
said McClaren, who will be the only English coach in next season's Champions League.

'It's always something I think you can develop as a coach. Staying in one country can narrow your mind and narrow your focus - I wanted to open mine.

'I believe in football, I believe in technique, I believe in possession. That's how the Dutch play football.'

McClaren also revealed that he had sought the counsel of Robson, who twice managed in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven.

Brolly poor show: Steve McClaren, then England manager, watches as England crash out of Euro 2008 in the qualifiers

'I've kept in touch with Sir Bobby ever since my Middlesbrough days and since my England days. He's a great advisor for me. He said, 'Go there, it will be a very good experience.'

'He told me, 'Go on your own, learn the culture, learn a bit of the language and enjoy the football, because you will.'

'Dutch football and English football are very different but for that's why I'm here, for the challenge and the experience, to sample a different culture and different football.'