By JOHN BOSCHINI
After a reign of only eight months, Steve McClaren's time at Wolfsburg is over.
McClaren was let go by Wolfsburg on Monday after the former England manager has struggled at the helm of the 2009 champion, who is now fighting a relegation battle near the bottom of the Bundesliga table. McClaren, who was fired as England manager after the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008, looked to have his career back on track after leading FC Twente to the Dutch League title last season.
"We were no longer convinced that we could finish the season with stability by working together with Steve McLaren," Wolfsburg general manager Diter Hoeness said on the club's website.
Wolfsburg currently sits 12th in the Budesliga table, just one point away from the relegation zone and has won just one ofits last 12 matches. Talks of McLaren's departure go back to Wolfsburg's embarassing elimination from the German Cup to a second-division side. Assistant coach Pierre Littbarski will take over as interim manager.
Here are some more stories to keep your Monday going.
FABREGAS, GOMEZ, VAN PERSIE RULED OUT OF FRIENDLIES
More of Europe's top international sides will be missing some of their star players this week as Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Robin van Persie (Netherlands) and Mario Gomez (Germany) will be out with injuries. Fabregas will miss Spain's matchup with Colombia due to a stomach bug, leading Bundesliga scorer Gomez will miss the clash with Italy with a sprained knee and van Persie will miss the Dutch's game against Austria with the flu.
ALLARDYCE NOT INTERESTED IN WEST BROM JOB
The search to fill the managerial vacancy left by Roberto Di Matteo's sacking from West Bromwich Albion is in full swing but one out-of-work English manager won't be taking the position. Former Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce ruled himself out of consideration for the job Monday after several reports named him as the frontrunner. Roy Hodgson, Chris Hougton and Martin Jol are thought to still be in contention for the job.
DYNAMO UNVEIL STADIUM VIDEO
The Houston Dynamo has unveiled a video highlighting the new stadium planned for downtown Houston.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/19614275 w=400&h=224]
MOURINHO NAMED ITALIAN COACH OF THE YEAR
It's been eight months since Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan for Real Madrid but the Portuguese coach is still being honored for his 2010 treble. Mourinho was named the Italian coach of the year Monday, beating out current-Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri and Roma coach Claudio Ranieri.
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What do you think of this afternoon's stories? Is Wolfsburg better off without McLaren? Will you miss seeing European stars play for their country? Disappointed Allardyce won't be taking over West Brom?
Share your thoughts below.