BRYAN ROBSON last night told Steve McClaren he has the platform for success at Middlesbrough.

Robson, who this summer made way for new manager McClaren after seven years as Boro boss, believes the foundations and infrastructure are in place for future glories. Former England captain Robson came within an ace of bringing Boro their first major silverware in three cup final defeats.

Now McClaren is aiming to go one better, and Robson insists: "It won't be difficult for Steve because the set-up is top drawer.

"I'm not saying that to claim I've helped the club. It's because they've got a great stadium and a fantastic training ground which is as good as any.

"Steve has got some really good professionals in the squad, so I don't think it'll be too difficult if the club give him a little money. He just needs to add a bit more.''

Robson, criticised by fans for signing thirtysomething midfielders like Paul Gascoigne and Paul Ince, acknowledged: "I'm not trying to tell Steve his job, but I think he needs some younger legs around the midfield area. But the defence are solid - he'll do well with that lot.''

Assistant manager Viv Anderson, first-team coach Gordon McQueen and reserve-team coach David Geddis - as well as head coach Terry Venables - all went as the Robson regime was dismantled.

McClaren recruited sports psychologist Bill Beswick as his assistant, Steve Harrison as first-team coach, Steve Round as reserve-team coach and Paul Barron as goalkeeping specialist.

"He needed his own men around him,'' admitted Robson. "In this game you've got to watch your back. Everyone at the club wanted to keep Gordon McQueen.

"But he's a proud man and straight away he said: I came here with Bryan and if he goes, I go.''

Meanwhile, First Division Wolves insist they have no interest in Boro skipper Ince, linked with a £2m move to Molineux. Wolves boss Dave Jones said: "There's nothing in it.''

* Boro target Francois Grenet has revealed he is weighing up offers from other clubs. Boro and Bordeaux are some way apart in their valuation of the 26-year-old defender, who the French side rate at around £3.75m.

Grenet confirmed: "There have been new offers this week -- Sunderland showed interest, but I don't know how concrete that is.

"I hope things are resolved quickly. Until now, Middlesbrough were the club that seemed most interested. I had a very good rapport with Mr McClaren when I was at the training ground for ten days, but the transfer is stumbling over the price.''

* Freed Boro winger Alan Moore has joined Burnley on trial.

Read more about the Boro here.