Derby County boss Steve McClaren says 'I had five great years and worked for some very good people and a great chairman in Steve Gibson'
Steve McClaren admits it will be special but strange as he makes his first return to the Riverside as an opposition boss with Derby.
McClaren guided Boro to Carling Cup glory and into Europe in a golden spell before leaving to join England in 2006.
“It will be special to be back,” he said. “It was the breakthrough for me going from a No 2 to a No 1 and winning something which proved I could make the step.
“I had five great years there and worked for some very good people and a great chairman in Steve Gibson.
“Teesside is a region that needs its football and a successful team. The club is the heartbeat of the place.
“It will be pretty strange for me being in the opposite dugout. I had five great years there. I still live in the area and so I know the people.”
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“But,” he insisted, “the total focus for me is on performing and trying to win.
“Boro have been inconsistent this season but they are capable of beating any team in the league.
“Karanka has got them organised, they are harder to beat, play good football and have got dangerous players, good players, so we will need to be at our best and toughest to get a result.”
More on Steve McClaren
Bernie Slaven: Steve McClaren wasn't always popular - but Boro fans should applaud him
Philip Tallentire: Riverside gets ready for return of Steve McClaren
Eric Paylor: Steve McClaren's side of 2004-05 was the best Boro team I ever saw
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