Gibson sorry for McClaren remarks

McClaren worked as England number two while managing Boro

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has apologised to former England boss Steve McClaren after making critical comments about his reign at the club.

Boro cemented their Premier League status, won the League Cup in 2004 and reached the 2006 Uefa Cup final during McClaren's five-year stint at the helm.

But Gibson was less than complimentary in a recent newspaper interview and revealed he now regretted his remarks.

"I have since spoken to Steve and apologised to him," he said.

"Despite their accuracy, my comments did not represent my thoughts and assessment of Steve's five-year period at Middlesbrough.

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"During it, Steve led Middlesbrough to unprecedented achievements.

"We won our first major trophy, enjoyed two wonderful years in Europe, culminating in the Uefa Cup final, obtained our highest Premier League finish and points total and twice progressed to the semi-final of the FA Cup.

"The McClaren years were undoubtedly the most successful this football club has ever had."

Gibson's criticism of McClaren included comments about the former Boro manager's loyalty to the club and claimed he was "always thinking about the next rung of the ladder" and that he had an "absolutely ruthless" streak when it came to his future ambitions.

McClaren was sacked as England manager in November after his team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.