And Clarke's No.2 surprised by QPR's start
KEVIN Keen is hoping to beat the club where his family name is held in high esteem when Albion host QPR tomorrow (ko 3pm).The joint-assistant head coach’s late dad, Mike, was a hero at Loftus Road during the 60s, making almost 400 league appearances and scoring 39 goals for Rangers.
He also lifted the League Cup trophy as captain in 1967 – beating Albion 3-2 in the final.
But Kevin must now put all emotions to one side as he bids to maintain the Baggies’ 100 per cent home league record against the basement boys.
He said: “I went the other night to the QPR game against West Ham - which was a great game for me, the club my dad was a hero at against a club where my heart was at and where I spent 18 years of my career, nine as a player, nine as a coach.
“It was a fantastic game in terms of intensity.
“QPR was a big part of my dad's life.
“I never played for QPR but it has a part in my family's history.”
The Rs spent big in the summer to bring in 12 new signings but have picked up only two points from their opening six top-flight games.
But Keen reckons the new recruits may just need time to gel and views Mark Hughes’ men as dangerous customers.
“I am surprised their start hasn't been the best,” said Keen.
“I know Mark Hughes and Mark Bowen well - they are a good management team.
“That, and the fact they've brought in some high profile players who you know are good.
“It just hasn't clicked.
“They came up against a fired-up, intense West Ham side on Monday which caught them a little bit cold.
“They improved in the second half and might have got something had Diakite not been sent off.
“Taarabt came on and was fantastic.
“I've worked with Bobby Zamora who is a super player and an England international.
“It will be a tough game.
“They played really well at Tottenham and maybe feel more comfortable playing away, so it will be tough.
“But the home advantage I've spoken about means there is no reason we cannot get a win, to keep us towards the top of the League.”