Steve Clarke 'not a gamble for West Brom'

Dan Ashworth today denied West Bromwich Albion have gambled on Steve Clarke and insisted no new boss could have guaranteed success at The Hawthorns.

Dan Ashworth today denied West Bromwich Albion have gambled on Steve Clarke and insisted no new boss could have guaranteed success at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies surprised fans by handing Clarke his first managerial role despite interest from experienced bosses including Ralf Rangnick and Claudio Ranieri.

But sporting and technical director Ashworth insisted the former Chelsea and Liverpool No.2's qualifications made him the right man to succeed Roy Hodgson.

"When you bring any human being into a new industry or a new place of work it's a gamble," said Ashworth.

"Any player or staff member is a human being and there's an element of risk in everything you. But because of Steve's experience, knowledge and the people he has worked with, I don't see it as a gamble."