Gareth Southgate is treading water at the moment, and he knows he has three games to turn the club around ... or his time on Teeside could be over.
People Sport broke the news that McClaren is in the pecking order at the Stadium of Light, but the Mackems have gone public to say they have no interest in his services.
However, it seems McClaren is on his way back to English football - sooner rather than later.
McClaren is halfway through a two-year contract with FC Twente. But they were shocked when they went to sign a player last week, only to be told by his agent he would not come because McClaren would not be there next season.
The Dutch press are already suggesting he is heading to "an unknown English club".
McClaren's brilliant season in Holland with FC Twente has not gone unnoticed by the Boro board.