Steve Clarke appointed as new West Brom manager

Steve Clarke pictured during his time as Liverpool assistant (GETTY IMAGES)

New West Brom head coach Steve Clarke plans to use the very best of what he has learned from the likes of Jose Mourinho, Sir Bobby Robson and Kenny Dalglish to be a success at the Hawthorns.

The 48-year-old Scot has signed a two-year contract to become Roy Hodgson's successor and take his first job as a number one after over a decade as an assistant.

"Becoming a head coach in my own right has always been an ambition of mine and I feel I have served my apprenticeship," said Clarke, who has spent 14 years coaching at Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and most recently Liverpool.

"I've done everything I could as an assistant.

"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.

"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 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."

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

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth quickly identified him as the man they wanted to continue the club's development begun by Roberto di Matteo and continued by Hodgson before he left to manage England.

"West Bromwich Albion strikes me as a friendly, really well-organised club with a fantastic structure in place," Clarke added on wba.co.uk.

"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."

Ashworth said they had no doubts they had selected the right person and the fact he was untested taking sole charge of a team was not a concern.

"We firmly believe we have appointed the right man to keep the club moving forward," he said.

"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 number two 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 number one 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."

PA