Clarke appointed West Brom boss

West Brom have named Steve Clarke as Roy Hodgson’s replacement after the 48-year-old Scot agreed to a two-year deal with the club.

Clarke arrives with a wealth of experience in the higher echelons of the English game, having worked at Newcastle, West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea under managers such as Sir Bobby Robson, Jose Mourinho and Kenny Dalglish.

In his first ever managerial role, Clarke is keen to prove his worth and repay the club’s hierarchy for giving him his big break in management.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity,” Clarke told the club’s official website.

“Becoming a head coach in my own right has always been an ambition of mine and I feel I have served my apprenticeship. I’ve done everything I could as an assistant.

“It’s a process I’ve gone through, with a plan in mind to work as hard as I could alongside some of the best managers and coaches in the world, learning as much as possible from them, before stepping out on my own.

“I’ve taken something from every manager I’ve worked with and I’ve felt ready to make the step up for some time.

“I’m delighted West Bromwich Albion have given me the chance to make that progression and I’m determined to make the most of it.

“‘I look forward to meeting and working with a very talented group of players and aim, with their help, to prove I can be a successful head coach.”

West Brom were denied permission to speak to new Norwich boss Chris Hughton last week, while German boss Ralf Rangnick reportedly rejected the chance to manage the club.

Their search has now led them to the renowned assistant manager and he believes that he is the right man to continue the success and solid foundations left by new England boss Hodgson, after the club secured a top-10 finish in the top flight last season.

“West Bromwich Albion strikes me as a friendly, really well organised club with a fantastic structure in place,” he said.

“The Chairman and Dan Ashworth did a terrific job in selling the club’s project to me and I fully aim to repay the board’s faith.

“The team and supporters have had some good times in recent years and, with their help, I would like to think those good times can continue following my appointment.

“I know from past visits to The Hawthorns how well the supporters back the team and joining a club of such stature is a real honour. I can’t wait to get started.”