York's Steve McClaren has taken over as manager of Middlesbrough following the departure of Bryan Robson.

McClaren, who spent the last three years as Sir Alex Ferguson's number two at Manchester United, has signed a five-year contract at the Riverside Stadium.

McClaren, 40, returned from a family holiday in Florida at the weekend before holding further talks with Boro chairman Steve Gibson.

Said McClaren, who attended Nunthorpe School in York and represented the York City Boys team as a teenager: "It was a tough decision to leave Manchester United, the hardest I have had to make in my career. One thing I have learned at United is that when you win one trophy it is quickly forgotten and you get on. It will be the same here.

"I worked with a fantastic manager in Sir Alex Ferguson and great players. But it is history."

Confirming he had talks with both Southampton and West Ham the self-confessed 'Yorkshire boy' said Boro's ambitions excited him.

"I could not wish to be joining a better club.," he said. "When I sought advice from various people in football Steve Gibson was held in the highest esteem. I am sure we will do very well working together."

The York-born coach also claimed he was excited about the prospect of wheeling and dealing in the transfer market and one of his first moves could be to try to entice ex-York City starlet Jonathan Greening from Old Trafford to the Riverside. Such a deal could net York City £400,000 as part of a sell-on fee agreement.

Updated: 16:34 Tuesday, June 12, 2001