Steve McClaren leaves Twente

Former England manager Steve McClaren has left his role as coach of FC Twente after a disappointing second spell in charge of the Dutch club.

The 51-year-old returned to the Eridivisie side in January 2012, but failed to emulate the success he enjoyed during his first spell in charge of the club, when he won the league title.

Twente lost Heerenveen at the weekend and were left  fifth in the league, six points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, with the Englishman losing the  support of the fans.

"After the defeat to Heerenveen on Saturday the board of FC Twente and I tried to find a solution to the difficult period the team has been going through," read a statement from McClaren to the club's supporters.

"We talked about the expectations of the club, how European qualification was key each season and finishing in the top four."

"Despite being joint top at the winter break and second four weeks ago, recent results and performances have seen criticism, protest and demonstration from both supporters and the media."