Steve Clarke appointed new West Brom boss

After being denied permission to speak with Chris Hughton and turned down by Ralf Rangnick, the Midlands club have turned their attentions to the former Liverpool assistant manager

Steve Clarke has been named as Roy Hodgson's replacement at West Brom, signing a two-year deal to take over the managerial vacancy.

The 48-year-old 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.

"Joining a club of such stature is a real honour. I can't wait to get started" - Steve Clarke

In his first senior managerial role, Clarke told of how is keen to prove his worth and repay the club's hierarchy for giving him the chance to prove himself in a more prominent position.

"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 City boss Chris Hughton last week, while German manager Ralf Rangnick reportedly rejected an approach.

	TOUGH JOB?
4/1	West Brom are 4/1 to be relegated from the Premier League next season with bet365

Their search led them to the former Liverpool assistant manager, and Clarke believes that he is the right man to continue the success and solid foundations left by new the recently-departed 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 continued.

"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."