MIDDLESBROUGH chairman Steve Gibson has warned that Steve McClaren's Riverside revolution will be a bloody one if his players fail to adhere to the new manager's footballing doctrine.

The innovative McClaren, who raised a few eyebrows with the appointment of sports psychologist Bill Beswick as his assistant, enters the managerial arena for the first time today when Boro begin their season at home to Arsenal.

As Sir Alex Ferguson's trusted lieutenant at Manchester United, McClaren played no small part in spiking the Gunners' Premiership title ambitions in each of the last three seasons.

This afternoon, however, McClaren holds the unaccustomed rank of first-in-command as he faces the full force of counterpart Arsene Wenger's heavy artillery.

McClaren may seem like Mr Nice Guy, but Gibson insists that behind the amiable exterior lies a formidable will to succeed at all costs. Multi-millionaire haulage magnate Gibson, who turned to the untried McClaren this summer at the end of Bryan Robson's eventful seven-year tenure, said: "I've been very impressed with Steve from day one.

"He has a very quiet, steely determination, but he has a clear vision of the game and the way it should be played. That's why he's so highly thought of. It's a clean slate for everyone, but Steve is adamant that things will be done his way.

"Believe me, he will be ruthless. Anyone who does not come on his journey will be out.''

The only departures so far, though, have been that of Christian Karembeu to Olympiakos for £3.5m and Keith O'Neill to Coventry in a £1m deal.

McClaren has added three new signings to the squad which teetered on the relegation precipice last season and only escaped the drop because of Terry Venables' introduction as head coach.

England defender Gareth Southgate, a £6.5m arrival from Aston Villa, has been joined by Under-21 midfielders Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson, who McClaren lured from his old club for a combined fee of £3.5m.

Gibson said: "We've invested £10m on the playing side and we've improved and added to the coaching staff. Bryan was a world magnet for players, but don't underestimate Steve. He has tremendous contacts in the game and we're delighted to have him here.''

McClaren's credentials have been endorsed by no lesser judge than England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who sought permission from Boro to integrate him as a key part of the international infrastructure.

"He will benefit from his position with England, and if Steve benefits, we will benefit,'' claimed Gibson.

"We always stood by Bryan when he went away with England and Steve has to be trusted on this too. I would not have to speak to him if he felt it was having an adverse effect on this club, but I can't see that happening.''

Gibson, a steadfast supporter of former England captain Robson throughout his time in charge, has admitted for the first time that he had grown disillusioned with the previous managerial regime.

"I think there was some disillusionment last season,'' he said. "We only had 11 points after 17 games and the style of football was perhaps not what the fans were looking for.

"They've approved the changes we've made by buying 22,000 season tickets. It's a bit of a drop on what we've had in the past, but it's not bad.

"It's not a worry that we've only sold 22,000 because tickets are more accessible now and people are more discerning about the games they watch.

"In the last two seasons, we've won only a dozen Premiership games at the Riverside, so you can understand why people have felt disappointed. We want to change that. We can't just expect people to fork out money for a season ticket. We have to win the right to that sort of support with results and performances.

"We can't be isolated from the wishes of the fans. They make their feelings known in a respectable, well-meaning way.

"If they're not here, it doesn't mean they don't care about the club. It means they are a bit disillusioned and we have to win them back. If anyone can change things, it's me. If I'm disillusioned, I will change things.

"But there was nothing in the past seven years to be ashamed of. It's been a tremendous time and we've made progress as a club.

"The club is totally unrecognisable from the one when Bryan joined us. He was a tremendous asset and he will be missed. He always made decisions that were in the best interests of the club, even if they were detrimental to himself. I can't imagine he'll be out of the game for long. If anyone was to ask me for my view on Bryan, all I can say is that if I was looking for a manager, he would be top of my list. His time at the club was fruitful, but it had reached its inevitable conclusion. He will get another job; people of his pedigree can't be lost to the game.

"Bryan will always be welcome back at this club, but he had to move on and the club had to move on.''

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