Is McClaren the man for Boro?

Steve McClaren will step out of Sir Alex Ferguson's shadow to go it alone as Middlesbrough new manager.

Is he the right man to take the reins at the Riverside?

Signed and sealed; Steve McClaren has been confirmed as the new Boro boss.

Can the former number two at United cope with a job in pole position?

Bryan Robson stepped backed as Terry Venables was brought in to rejuvenate the squad and steer them clear of relegation.

That he did, but how will McClaren fare following a rocky road at the Riverside last season?

Is McClaren the man for Boro?

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As a Boro fan, I was pleased when Robson left, and even more so when McClaren arrived. However, fellow Boro fans, let's not get carried away. The road will be rocky and it will take long time to turn the corner. Don't get on his back, he has the credentials, give him time to use them.
Michael Shackleton, England

I don't understand why Steve McClaren is being paid such a massive salary when he hasn't yet proved himself yet in this position. As a coach he is well respected, but his abilities as a manager should not be exaggerated until there is cause to do so. Thanks to Mr Robson for all the hardwork. Some of us are actually grateful for your years of service and dedication.
Joey Richards, UK

Anyone who has seen Boro under Robson will have noticed the lack of cohesion between the players. Only under Venables did we look like a team. Hopefully under McClaren one of the brightest hopes in English coaching will we see a Boro side with drive, vision and a tactical awareness.
Ian, Watford

cClaren is a good choice with a good background

  Steven Hermon, England

The main difference between Brian Kidd's departure from Man Utd and that of Steve McClaren is that Alex Ferguson himself has always said that McClaren has the credentials and the ability to become a good manager whereas he did not believe Kidd could make the transition. One out of two so far.
Jonathan Wood, England

I believe that Steve McClaren can only improve our standing as a football team, his training methods alone will increase our ability to perform at the highest level. Hopefully we will see Boro at their best next season
Paul Gibson, England

Under Robson the team had no tactics no one knew their jobs. It was so disorganised, the final straw came this season when, with the same team and Dean Windass, Venables would have got the team to sixth or seventh in the table. McClaren is a good choice with a good background and hopefully some organisation and tactical knowledge!
Steven Hermon, England

Anyone who had seen Boro under Robson will have noticed the lack of cohesion between the players. Only under Venables did we look like a team. Hopefully under McClaren, one of the brightest hopes of English coaching, will we see a Boro side with drive, vision and a tactical awareness.
Ian, Watford England

We'll miss Robson's charisma in post-match interviews

  Joss, England

For the last seven years, Middlesbrough have had a manager who was more image than substance. At times during Robson's reign the side looked tactically inept, under prepared and badly organised. McClaren should provide the direct opposite in terms of tactics and organisation, he is the man we have been crying out for. If it works we have substance over style and with the infrastructure and backing provided by Steve Gibson we should go on to success. Best of luck to both the Steve¿s.
Mr Happy, England

Steve will do well considering the enormous experience he has acquired over many years. With an experienced team who are eager to excel, the sky will be his limit.
Chux Agunwah, Nigeria

Robbo did a great job in raising the clubs stature, but we have always lacked consistency under his leadership. Venables would have been the ideal choice but it wasn't to be. If McClaren can deliver anything like his potential suggests then we can have a club to be proud of.
David , Newcastle

In time, Steve McClaren will prove to be an excellent choice of manager for Boro. The problem with Bryan Robson as a manager was that he was, with respect, tactically inept. When Terry Venables arrived, an immediate improvement occurred on the pitch and, had he been there for the full season, Boro would have finished in the top ten without really breaking into a sweat.

Steve McClaren will bring a similar style of management to the club which will be evident from the first game of the season. I believe the natural progression for him after his meteoric rise in footballing circles is to be a top-flight manager. If he is as good a coach as they say he is, then he should do very well with the squad he¿s inherited at Middlesbrough. We'll miss Robson's charisma in post-match interviews though.
Joss, England

Don't look for overnight success!

  Van Martin, England

Good luck Steve from a Man Utd supporter.
Worrell Deslandes, United Kingdom

I see no reason for him not to succeed. If Alex Ferguson, believes he has the quality and Mr Eriksson wants him in the England set-up, they surely can't both be wrong.
David Cole , England

I like what I hear about McClaren. Very forward thinking and very cerebral in his understanding of football. And to those who think he could be Brian Kidd all over again, you have to remember that Ferguson never really saw Kidd as his replacement and in fact this was one of the reasons for his downfall. McClaren was Fergie's big tip, and when he saw he wasn't going to get it he decided to let him go. I think with time, McClaren will reveal his potential, but don't look for overnight success!
Van Martin, England

As a lifelong Man Utd fan, I would say Middlesbrough just got the best they can. Wish him luck. Maybe our success may rub on them too.
Alf, Zimbabwe

Steve is the right choice

  Kevin Bowker, England

Who is Steve McClaren anyway? Up until a couple of years ago Brian Kidd was the supposed engine behind Manchester United. He goes into management and flops. What was Steve McClaren doing then? Where has he come from? Boro went for inexperience with Robson, Blackburn went for inexperience with Kidd and now Boro are doing the same with McClaren.
Mark Emeny, UK

Steve McClaren will be good for Boro. They have consistently underachieved but things may be looking up for them with someone of his pedigree.
David, GB

Everybody outside Man United is saying 'McClaren is the man for the Boro job'. How do you know? What has he done before as a manager, and why is everybody so keen to play up his abilities. Steve was an excellent coach for us, but then again so was Brian Kidd and what did he do? I think people need to be realistic, but I wish Steve the best of luck.
Chris Handley, Manchester, England

As a lifelong Middlesbrough fan, I can truly say that Steve McClaren is the right man for Boro. We employed Bryan Robson when he had no experience and he did okay. For me, Steve is the right choice. Let's just hope that he can keep the squad together and finally give us some success at Middlesbrough.
Kevin Bowker, England