FORMER Boro manager Steve McClaren has ruled himself out of the Newcastle head coach vacancy and insists he remains fully committed to securing promotion with Derby County.
McClaren was the bookies’ favourite to replace Alan Pardew at St James’ Park, but today pledged his loyalty to the Rams.
Boro fans could be excused for taking an interest in McClaren’s movements, with any possible disruption at promotion rivals Derby surely welcome.
But days after Derby chief executive Sam Rush dismissed the link, McClaren has given his strongest indication yet that he is not interested in a return to North-east management.
“Sam Rush spoke to me about three times last week and I said to him then, ‘look, don’t worry, I am going nowhere’”, McClaren told the Derby Telegraph.
“I have got a job to do here. I don’t want to let people down. You’ve got to show loyalty.
“Derby have given me a great opportunity. They have backed me and Sam and the owners have been fantastic.
“We have asked players to commit to long contracts to take Derby forward, and the staff as well. We are building here and I want to see the job through.
“I don’t want to let people down and there is no question of that, despite all the rumours. These things are going to crop up with players and with staff, and it can’t derail us.
“Our objective is to push for the Premier League and we feel we are in a good position to do that.
“I don’t want to let people down on that. The supporters have been fantastic with me from day one. There is nothing in my mind that says I am going anywhere.”
Derby sit third in the Championship, two points ahead of Aitor Karanka’s side.
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