Clarke appointed West Brom head coach

Steve Clarke has been appointed as West Brom head coach, the club have announced on their website.

Albion 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.

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

The 48-year-old Clarke, who has also had spells at Newcastle and West Ham as a number two, is taking on his first job as manager.

"I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the club," said West Brom sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth.

"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 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."