New gaffer: Steve Clarke

By Jemma Tappenden
June 8 2012

West Bromwich Albion have today ended their month long search for a new manager with the appointment of Steve Clarke.  The Baggies have been in the hunt for a new gaffer since Roy Hodgson's departure for England at the end of last season, and technical director Dan Ashworth believes Albion have appointed the right man.

Speculation around the vacant Hawthorns job had centred mostly around newly appointed Norwich City boss Chris Hughton, but that speculation was brought to an end last week when the club revealed they were not prepared to pay the £2 million compensation payment that Birmingham City were seeking.  Any remaining speculation surrounding Hughton was finally ended yesterday when he accepted the vancant managerial position at Carrow Road.

When Steve Clarke confirmed he had parted company with Liverpool on Wednesday he became firm favourite for the West Brom job, and Albion finally ended that speculation this morning with an announcement that the 48 year old had been appointed on a two year contract.

Clarke is believed to be thrilled with his appointment, and has been looking to make the move to head coach for a while.  This morning he said "I'm delighted West Brom have given me the chance to make that progression and I'm determined to make the most of it".  Clarke has had spells as assistant manager at Newcastle, Chelsea and most recenly at Liverpool.

His appointment as manager at West Brom is likely to come in for some criticism from some fans, who will undoubtedly be concerned at replacing an experienced manager who took Albion to 10th in the Premiership last season, with a relatively inexperienced one.  But technical director Dan Ashworth is unconcerned about Clarke's managerial experience.  This morning he told the BBC; "From the outset we decided to pursue candidates who are renowned for their coaching ability and Steve was very much at the forefront of our thoughts because of the clubs he has worked at and the high regard he is held in within the game.  Steve has a real hunger and drive to succeed as a number one and is excited about the ongoing project we have at the club".

West Bromwich Albion will hold an official press conference regarding the appointment of Clarke on Monday.

Clarke appointed as West Brom boss on 2 year deal

Discussion started by WBA Baggies World (IP Logged), 08/06/2012 11:08

WBA Baggies World
08/06/2012 11:08

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bagman
08/06/2012 11:36

waited 6 weeks for this looking everyday with excitement with some of the names being mentioned since when has a coach called steve done any good steve mcclaren steve bruce steve kean steve clark heading back to championship im affraid club has no ambition shold have signed foster by now sorted out ollsons contract etc what a load of sh....t

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Lifes Little Jem
08/06/2012 13:08

These feelings seem to be echoed quite a lot. Worry times at West Brom? I guess time will tell - but he's an unknown quantity and that's a concern - they should be looking to build on last season's finish.

We have a poll now - set up so people can share their views officially.

www.wbabaggies.co.uk

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Lifes Little Jem
08/06/2012 13:11

Poll located on site main page. HERE

www.wbabaggies.co.uk



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:06:08:13:12:16 by Lifes Little Jem.

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