Seven months after he was sacked as England manager following a failed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, McClaren has returned to management after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal to succeed Fred Rutten at the Enschede club.

McClaren denied suggestions that the four-week delay in finalising the deal was linked to late interest in his services from Blackburn, who today unveiled their new manager Paul Ince.

"It had nothing to do with Blackburn because four weeks ago that was not a possibility, even 10 days ago it was not a possibility," said McClaren. "Yes last week there was some interest, but I had to make a decision and that was to come here.

"We had one or two things to sort out and we haven't sorted them out yet but I wanted to join [Twente] so much we will sort them out in the future, no problem."

The former Middlesbrough manager is convinced his latest role will help him develop as a coach.

"In England I have worked at the very top and with the top players," McClaren said. "After that experience - yes I could go back to English football - but I wanted to progress as a coach, as a manager and progress my education.

"It is not a fresh start or a new start. It is another challenge and something I very much look forward to."

The 47-year-old revealed that he has tried to take the positives from his unsuccessful 15-month stint at the England helm.

"Nothing is ever forgotten," he said. "I think you can take the experience as good and bad.

"Coming here is a new challenge and a new experience that I look forward to.

"It has always been a challenge and ambition of mine to coach in Europe and this is the perfect time and the perfect opportunity.

"I am sure I have a lot to give to FC Twente, I hope, and I think FC Twente also have a lot to give to me."

While McClaren's failure with England has not gone unnoticed by Twente fans - some of whom have voiced concerns over his appointment - club president Joop Munsterman admitted it was McLaren's record at club level that tipped the balance in his favour.

"We are looking beyond that period [when McClaren was England manager]," Munsterman told PA Sport.

"What he achieved at club level is more important than the national team because the national team is something else, especially in England.

"We wanted a coach who has experience in European football, who knows to work under pressure, who is looking after our youth academy and who has experience with top players.

"All those things were united in Steve McClaren, for that he is also a gentleman. We are very happy he is here."

McLaren enjoyed forays into Europe as assistant to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson between 1998 and 2001, and again in his own right as manager of Middlesbrough, whom he led to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006.

And McClaren revealed the opportunity to manage on the continental stage was key to agreeing to take over at Twente.

"I've always wanted to work abroad," he said. "My experiences with Manchester United in Europe and Middlesbrough in Europe, and international football with England, it's always excited me and it's always something that, as a coach, you can develop.

"I think just staying in one country can narrow your focus, so I wanted to open mine.

"I believe in football, I believe in technique, I believe in possession. That's how the Dutch play football."

McClaren admitted he hit it off with Twente the moment he saw them play Ajax in the Dutch play-offs four weeks ago, when a scoreless draw in the return leg saw the club book a place in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.

"For football reasons, I would have joined Twente the next day after my visit because I had a good feeling and was impressed by the ambitions," McClaren continued.

"But my family is settled in. I have three boys. It was important that when I come here it was not just for me but also for my family. I am delighted and flattered to be here."

He added: "I'm going to try and build on the success of Fred Rutten and his staff over the last two years.

"Dutch football and English football are very different and that's something that excites me and that's why I'm here - for the challenge, for the experience, to sample different cultures and to continue my education of improving as a coach."