Quote:
England fans back coach McClaren
Fans have backed Steve McClaren to stay on as England coach and blamed the players for recent poor performances in a survey for the BBC's Inside Sport.
A total of 452 fans were questioned by telephone in England between Friday and Sunday, before, during and after Israel's Euro 2008 win over Russia.
And the results show that 50% think McClaren should stay on as manager regardless of whether England qualify.
Meanwhile, 37% of the respondents think he should go regardless.
The numbers hardly changed regardless of whether the interviews were done before or after the Israel match - before the match 49% said he should stay on, afterwards it was 51%.
Most fans point the finger at the players for England's troubles, 50% saying they are at fault compared to only 22% who blame the manager.
A further 16% say the FA should be held responsible.
Fans in the East Midlands emerge as McClaren's biggest supporters (69% backing him to stay), while those in the West Midlands are his biggest detractors (52% wanting him to go).
Israel's 2-1 victory revived England's hopes of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008 finals, with McClaren's side just needing a draw against Croatia on Wednesday.
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BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | England fans back coach McClaren
Even if we qualify I think I'd still prefer a better manager.
BUT, looking on the bright side, can u imagine a luckier manager? Saturday morning, England looked almost certain to fail to qualify from their group, come Saturday night that had changed to England having the potential to top the group! Just because of 2 fluke results, an Israel team with little/nothing to fight for beating a Russian team who quite frankly tore them to shreds, while Macedonia, of all teams, beat Croatia 2-0!!!
And if you think that's just coincidence, think back to the 2005/06 UEFA Cup, not only did McClaren somehow get Boro into the competition, but he got them into the final, coming back from a 3 goal deficit, not once but TWICE!
So I rest my case, England have the flukiest manager in the business atm, but would u rather have someone with actual tactical nouse?