Clarke fulfills ambition as former Liverpool and Chelsea No 2 succeeds Roy at West Brom



Steve Clarke has been appointed the new manager of West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies have been searching for a new manager since Roy Hodgson was announced as England boss ahead of the European Championship.



And former Chelsea assistant manager and Liverpool coach Clarke has now been handed the reins, signing a two-year contract at the Hawthorns.

Come in No 2: Clarke will succeed Hodgson at West Brom

'I'm absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity,' said Clarke.

'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.'

Clarke's departure from Liverpool was only confirmed on Wednesday, although he had offered his resignation last month when Kenny Dalglish was sacked.

'I've taken something from every manager I've worked with and I've felt ready to make the step up for some time,' he added.



Pastures new: Clarke succeeds England boss Hodgson

'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.

'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.'

West Brom's Sporting and Technical Director, Dan Ashworth, added: 'I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the club.

Honour: Clarke is delighted to have made the step up to management

'We firmly believe we have appointed the right man to keep the club moving forward.

'After Roy was appointed as England manager, we cast the net far and wide to identify the most suitable candidate to fill his shoes.

'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.

'After holding talks with Steve, he emerged as the outstanding candidate.

'Steve has worked alongside and learned from some top managers and, most importantly, he knows the Premier League inside out and what it takes to succeed at this level.

'He is a talented British coach who has served his time in the trenches as a No.2 in order to get an opportunity to be in sole charge of a team - and we are delighted to give him that chance.

'Steve has a real hunger and drive to succeed as a No 1 and is excited about the ongoing project we have at the club.

'We also have a structure in place that will hopefully give Steve the support he needs to carry on the success we have enjoyed over the past three seasons.'





