West Bromwich Albion

Steve Clarke looking forward to West Brom task

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 27 June 2012

New West Brom boss Steve Clarke reveals that he will be tough with his new players, but that he will give them a "cuddle" now and again as well.

New West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has spoken of his plans for the way he will treat his players.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool assistant is experiencing his first taste of management, and faces a tough task in replacing Roy Hodgson at the Hawthorns.

Clarke believes that players need a "cuddle" nowadays, but insists that he will still be hard on them when the situation demands him to be.

"I've worked for many years as assistant coach and giving players a cuddle at the right time is part of things now," said Clarke.

"The players are all millionaires now so you have to handle them in a different way. I'll be open with them and it's a case of being strong and being able to put across your opinion.

"They won't like it or enjoy it but they will accept it. I've got a good way of working on the training field. They should enjoy coming to work and, if they do, then really you're halfway there."

Clarke had been unemployed since leaving his post at Anfield following the arrival of new manager Brendan Rodgers.