Clarke favours balanced approach

Steve Clarke: Feels it is important to 'cuddle' players at the right time

New West Brom boss Steve Clarke believes he is in good stead for his first managerial role after handling players as a number two for more than a decade.

Clarke has a hard act to follow at the Hawthorns with Roy Hodgson having earned praise from many players for his relationship with the squad.

The first-time manager is promising to be open with the players but also strong in his approach as Albion look to build on finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.

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

"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."