BORO boss Steve McClaren last night ruled himself out of taking the manager's job at Leeds United.

"For the sake of the club's supporters, I want to make it clear that I have absolutely no intention of leaving Middlesbrough for any other club," he said.

McClaren's announcement came after it was reported that Terry Venables will today be named as the new boss at Elland Road.

The news will come as a huge relief to Middlesbrough fans. Widespread reports in the national press yesterday that McClaren was ready to quit the Boro had caused dismay on Teesside.

Before last night's announcement, Mark Lund, 28, from West Lane, Middlesbrough, said he would be devastated if McClaren quit.

"He was just starting to get his own team together," he said. "He would be very, very difficult to replace."

Also speaking earlier, Bob Fischer, 29, assistant editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, said he was loath to believe the rumours. "I still hope in my heart of hearts that he won't go," he said.

"He's the best manager that Boro have had for years. I know there's the saying that there's no smoke without fire, but I think in football there is. It wouldn't surprise me if there was nothing in it."

John Ovington, chairman of Middlesbrough Official Supporters' Club, was equally sceptical. "I don't think there's any truth in it," he said. "This speculation is damaging because the club is at a critical point."