CHAIRMAN Steve Gibson yesterday revealed for the first time how close Middlesbrough came to losing Steve McClaren to Leeds.

Former Boro head coach Terry Venables was installed at Elland Road as David O'Leary's successor, but McClaren was also a target for Leeds chief Peter Ridsdale.

Gibson, speaking on Radio 5 Live's 'Sportsweek' programme, admitted that McClaren's "ambition'' had made him a strong contender for the Leeds post.

"I was kept aware of what was going on, step by step,'' said Gibson. "I was not uncomfortable with it. I was pleased with the way Leeds conducted themselves.

"Peter Ridsdale conducted himself honestly and kept me informed. I have no problems with the conduct of Steve McClaren or Leeds during that time.

"I understand people's ambition. Sometimes, such is that ambition, they feel a need to move on.

"What we try to make sure is that the coaching staff and the players fall in love with us and don't want to move.''

Gibson was talking 24 hours after Boro's 2-2 draw with Leeds at the Riverside.

McClaren is again combining his job as manager with that of England coach. And Gibson believes the time McClaren spends with the national side is of benefit to Boro.

He said: "We have great benefits from Steve being with England. He sees the best overseas players and he sees the best English players.

"He sees the tactics employed and he will be the first to admit he learns from it, and so does the football club.''

Gibson also touched on the looming power struggle between the Premier League and the Football Association.

"Perhaps we should have a greater say in the running of the FA,'' he said. "What I would like to see is a select group of chairmen having strong positions on the FA board.

"There should be massive consultation between the FA and the Premier League. I don't think that is something that has gone on in recent months.''

Meanwhile, McClaren had a friendly dig at Venables after the Leeds boss claimed his side should have won Saturday's game.

McClaren said: "I thought we were fantastic, especially in the first half, and that only one team was going to win it. I think Terry must have been at a different game.''

Cameroon star Geremi was again outstanding for Boro on the right side of midfield, creating both goals and hitting the woodwork.

McClaren signed him in the summer on a season's loan from Real Madrid, and has an option to make the deal permanent.

But the Boro boss insists he won't rush into any agreement for a player the European champions rate at £7m.

McClaren said: "A year before, I enquired about Geremi and tried to buy him, but the price was too much and he was going to Chelsea then.

"But we had the opportunity to bring him in this season and he's been an asset to us.

"We have first option to buy him. It's too early to say one way or the other what will happen, but we're very pleased with him."

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