McClaren aims for Premier League

Steve McClaren has confirmed Aston Villa went back on their word over the vacant managerial position ahead of him being named the new boss at Nottingham Forest.

The former England manager has had to rebuild his reputation over the years, having been sacked for failing to qualify for Euro 2008. Following his departure from the national side in October 2007, he then failed in an attempt to become manager of Blackburn Rovers the following summer, with the position instead going to Paul Ince, who last just a few months and recently found himself sacked by League 1 side Notts County.

Subsequently, the ex-Middlesbrough coach moved to Holland, where he won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente, before moving to German side Wolfsburg a year later. He didn't last the season however during a transitional time for the club in the Bundesliga.

It had been reported that Aston Villa bowed to fans' pressure over discussing the managerial role with McClaren, much maligned over the perceived reputation of him, which was picked up in his ill-fated 13 months with the England team. Speaking at his unveiling at the City Ground he admitted the Midlands side had made an appointment to discuss the position with him, before cancelling without due reason.

Despite the footballing hardships he's had to endure in recent times, he's thrilled to be involved with Nottingham Forest, a club he believes is full of history and tradition. Forest have failed to gain promotion to the Premier League since 1999, and have missed out on the opportunity via the playoffs for the last two seasons.

McClaren signed a three-year deal with the club over the weekend and replaces Billy Davies, who was sacked for failure to achieve promotion.