FA decision 'unanimous'

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Chief executive Brian Barwick made a heartfelt apology to the nation following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, for which McClaren was fired on Thursday morning following a hastily arranged FA board meeting at Soho Square.

And Barwick said: "It was a board decision - it was unanimous. I spoke to Steve this morning - we get on very well with him. I've had many grown-up conversations and had another one with him this morning - and I can only wish him well."

He added: "But in the end, not qualifying for Euro 2008 comes up short. Qualification for a major tournament is probably a minimum requirement."

Barwick admitted the task of finding a new manager would be handled differently to the last appointment.

"The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job," he said. "It will be done differently. We've got to learn lessons from the way we did it."

Pressed on whether there will be a change of tack in the appointment process after pressure was brought to bear to bring in an Englishman following Sven-Goran Eriksson's exit, Barwick made it clear all candidates will be considered.

"I don't think nationality will be an issue," he said.

Asked about the financial loss, Barwick said: "To the FA, less than £5million."

Barwick also denied he regretted giving McClaren a four-year contract, saying: "The contract is a private contract. I don't regret that now; I think he has tried very hard."