He's only considered damaged goods by supporters. In the game he is highly rated.
He's managing in the Championship man. Warnock, Di Canio, Poyet.. Pardew, Sherwood, have found jobs when he's been available. Definitely damaged goods.
Clubs have been reluctant to hire him because of potential backlash from supporters.
Meanwhile the likes of Gary Megson have been appointed to Premier League jobs to colossal fanfare. McClaren hasn't been given a PL job because he's not that good. It's that simple.