Steve Clarke: It's been an honour to manage West Brom
Sacked boss Steve Clarke spoke of his "deep regret" at losing his job at Albion as the club today stepped up the hunt for his replacement.
The Scot was fired on Saturday after 18 months in charge and gave his reaction through the League Managers' Association. Clarke said: "I believe I have unfinished business at West Bromwich Albion, so it is with deep regret that I was relieved of duties as head coach.
"I could not have been better prepared for my first job in management after over 14 years coaching experience learning from some of the great managers.
"It was a challenge to succeed Roy Hodgson... after he guided the club to a 10th place finish in 2011-12, after securing their Premier League status the year before. It goes without saying that I was extremely proud to have built on that achievement by securing the club's highest-ever finish in the Premier League and for over 30 years.
"Going into this season expectations were high, perhaps unrealistically so, but with it still being only our fourth consecutive season in the top flight, our primary objective had to be to establishing our status in the Premier League. I remain, convinced we were well placed to achieve this aim.
"It has been an honour to manage this club and I would like to thank the staff who have assisted me as well as the fans who have been tremendous throughout.
"Now I wish everyone connected with the club the very best for the future."
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA, said: "We are very sad for Steve. Perhaps his dismissal is another example of a coach getting more out of his team than anyone expected and then, when results start to take a down-turn, the raised expectations count against him."
