THE York father of sacked England boss Steve McClaren has paid tribute to his son, saying: "We are proud of him and always will be."

Brian McClaren, of Appletree Village, spoke to The Press hours after the FA gave Steve his marching orders yesterday, following England's shock home defeat to Croatia - which pitched the country out of the Euro 2008 tournament.

He said: "I would like to pay tribute to Steve. We are proud of him and always will be.

"He did his best - more than his best, and that's all you can ask."

Mr McClaren said his son was a "man of strong character," and would get through the experience.

He said that neither he nor Steve was going to blame luck for the team's failure to qualify for the tournament.

"He did have some bad luck, what with injuries, but he is not one to make an excuse of that and neither am I.

"It seemed like we were getting a bit of luck after the Israel-Russia game, but it wasn't to be."

He revealed that he had been at Wembley on Wednesday night during England's defeat. "I was able to give him some fatherly support."

Of the tabloids' treatment of his son in the wake of disappointing England results, he said simply: "They have got what they wanted."

After Fulford-born Steve was appointed to the job last year, Mr McClaren had said he was "proud" and "delighted, and described his son as a "brilliant coach" who had all the qualities needed to be a success as England manager.

"Every father would dream of having the England manager as their son and I have," he said then. "To see him go through in football from six-years-old, right through on this heck of a rise, it's just fantastic."

Steve, who attended Millthorpe School, yesterday described his sacking as "one of the saddest days of my career."

He said he accepted responsibility for England's failure to qualify but saw no reason to resign. "I have never walked away from anything. I would never intend to and there was no reason to," he said.

"Eighteen months ago was the proudest day of my career. I was honoured to be the England coach and enjoyed every minute.

"It's a sad day today to be relieved of my duties. I can understand the decision of the FA."

He said England's failure to qualify was a "huge disappointment" for the country and the fans." It's a failure, but I will move on."

He praised his players, who he said had given him "fantastic support" during his tenure.

"They are a fantastic bunch of players and great to work with.

"I have been supported by them all the way along."

On the failure to qualify, he said: "We all take responsibility for that, but ultimately I do. These players will go on."I'm not making any excuses, we had enough games to do it." He urged England fans to get behind the players in the future, adding: "I'm a fan like everybody else. I want England to achieve."


McClaren's rollercoaster ride as England manager

May 5, 2006: Steve is appointed, prior to England's campaign to win World Cup

August 1, 2006: Begins role as England manager, following team's World Cup quarter-final exit.

August 11: Drops David Beckham, who resigned as captain after World Cup, from first squad to play Greece in friendly.

August 16, 2006: First match finishes in 4-0 thrashing of Greece.

September 2, 2006: Opens Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with 5-0 victory at home to Andorra.

October 7, 2006: Cracks start to appear in grand plan after England held to goalless draw by Macedonia at Old Trafford.

October 11, 2006: First defeat for McClaren comes in Croatia, where howler from Paul Robinson sees Gary Neville score own goal.

March 24, 2007: Goalless qualifying draw in Israel - a fifth match (including friendlies) without victory - is greeted with derision.

March 28, 2007: McClaren and his team faced vitriolic abuse from the travelling support during unconvincing 3-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona.

May 26, 2007: David Beckham is recalled to squad to face Brazil in friendly at Wembley and Euro 2008 qualifier away to Estonia.

June 1, 2007: Beckham starts and plays 77 minutes in 1-1 draw with Brazil.

June 6, 2007: 3-0 win in Estonia, with Michael Owen scoring first international goal for a year after recovering from a serious knee injury, gets qualifying campaign back on track.

September 8, 2007: With injuries hampering selection, a recalled Emile Heskey up front and Gareth Barry in midfield produce stand-out performances in 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifier over Israel at Wembley.

October 17, 2007: Needing only a point to secure qualification, England squander 1-0 lead, conceding two goals in four second half minutes against Russia in Moscow to leave their qualification hopes dependent on other results.

November 17, 2007: A 2-1 win for Israel over Russia in Tel Aviv means England need just a point against Croatia to make the finals.

November 21, 2007: England beaten 3-2 by Croatia, and will not take part in Euro 2008.

November 22, 2007: Steve McClaren is sacked.