Slaven Wants Boro To Entertain

By Damian Spellman
May 26 2006

Former Middlesbrough striker Bernie Slaven has urged chairman Steve Gibson to make entertaining football a priority in the search for Steve McClaren's successor.

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Middlesbrough officials insist the pursuit of a new manager is ongoing despite speculation that Terry Venables has been offered the job, having impressed in a spell in charge during the 2000-01 season.

Slaven believes Gibson should consider approaching Hibernian manager Tony Mowbray, and appoint former Boro boss Bruce Rioch at his side.

McClaren, who will become England's head coach after the World Cup finals, departed Teesside as the most successful manager in the club's history.

However, although he led them to this month's UEFA Cup final, McClaren left having failed to win over sections of the club's support.

"Venables is the red-hot favourite at the moment and I don't think that will change unless the guy turns us down," said Slaven.

"He came in before under difficult circumstances and did a great job, but I don't think he would capture the public's imagination.

"I think Boro fans need a massive boost after missing out on European football next season and a poor league campaign.

"If I had the choice as a Boro fan, I would bring back Mowbray, with Rioch in something like a director of football role.

"'Mogga' (Mowbray) is a young, up-and-coming manager and he would certainly speak the same language as Boro fans.

"He's done a great job for Hibs, brought their young lads on and he likes his side to play good football.

"After five years under Steve McClaren, I think the pair of them could be just what the fans want.

"McClaren came out and said things like 'excitement and entertainment were not priorities' and 'the crowd need to be re-educated'.

"Comments like that don't wash with the public."

Slaven believes McClaren was highly unpopular among supporters.

He said: "You can't take away what he achieved at the club with the Carling Cup win and getting to a UEFA Cup final.

"He was the most successful manager of the last 20 years - but he was also the most disliked."

Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb have spoken to several prospective candidates since McClaren's departure, but Boro are adamant they are still some way off making an appointment.

Lamb said: "We understand the interest and realise our supporters are keen to learn who our new manager will be.

"However, no decision has been taken as yet and we will not be commenting on the ongoing media speculation until an appointment has been made."

It is understood that no appointment is imminent, and that there is still more than one candidate under consideration.

Venables emerged as a hot favourite with the bookmakers a fortnight ago and it is understood that he, Alan Curbishley and Martin O'Neill have been contacted.

Hibernian boss Mowbray - who last week withdrew from contention to boss Ipswich - and Bolton's Sam Allardyce have also been linked with the job at the Riverside Stadium.

Bolton were quick to pour cold water on the claims regarding Allardyce.

O'Neill was initially high on Boro's list, however it is not known whether he is ready for a full-time return to management.

Curbishley has vowed to take time out of football after ending his 15-year spell with Charlton, while Mowbray was recently quick to re-affirm his commitment to Hibernian.

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