MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson is determined to hold on to history-making manager Steve McClaren.

The England coach enhanced his reputation after leading Boro to their first major trophy in this year's Carling Cup final.

McClaren's recall as Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant for Euro 2004 after Brian Kidd was hit by illness, is further confirmation that the Boro boss's star is in the ascendant.

Gibson, who has admitted he almost lost the ambitious McClaren to Leeds only a season into his five-year contract in the summer of 2002, is philosophical about the future.

He insists no talks have taken place over extending McClaren's deal, which still has two years to run, but told Northern Echo Sport he will do everything in his power to satisfy his manager's aspirations at the Riverside.

"You can lose anyone at any time in any job or walk of life,'' said Gibson. "But I don't want to lose Steve and I'll be working not to lose him.''

Gibson turned to the untried McClaren, then Sir Alex Ferguson's No 2 at Manchester United, at the end of Bryan Robson's seven-year stint in charge.

"Some cynics would say that we still haven't finished in the top half under Steve, but I know the huge job that needed to be done here,'' added Gibson.

"We needed a culture change and it takes time. We afforded him that time and I think there are very few managers who win a trophy in their first three years in management.

"It's a tremendous achievement. He's been steadily building the club brick by brick and kept us from the fear of relegation. The base is now built and we can prepare nicely for next season, given that we can provide him with the kind of resources he deserves.

"We're not that far behind the top five. I think we thumped Liverpool in the first half at Anfield and I think we thumped Newcastle twice - we dominated both games even though we lost them.''

Gibson confirmed that Boro will not pay a fee for Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.

The one-season loan agreed with Lazio converts to a permanent four-year deal this summer, and Gibson said: "The contract that was drawn up gave us the option to sign him on a long-term basis. He's tied up for four more years and there's no escape clause.''

Gibson, delighted to see Brazilian midfielder Doriva sign a new one-year deal, is confident striker Joseph-Desire Job will finally agree fresh terms despite rejecting Boro's initial offer. "We're nor far away with Joseph,'' said Gibson. "I thought he had a reasonably good season and showed signs that he's improving and getting stronger.''

Michael Ricketts and Mark Wilson will be among those told they can go as part of an end-of-season squad cull.