Boss unsurprised at players' flying start
STEVE Clarke believes third-placed Albion's start to the season is further evidence no major changes were needed to the squad when he took the head coach's job.After sealing a permanent deal for last season’s loan star Ben Foster, the Baggies boss has brought in five further summer signings.
But Claudio Yacob was the only new player from last term in his starting XI for Saturday's 2-0 win over in-form Everton.
And Clarke says that is testament to the quality of the players already at his disposal when he arrived at The Hawthorns.
"I had to come in and assess what I had," he said.
"I knew the players at West Bromwich Albion because I've been working in the Premier League.
"I didn't see great reason to rip everything up and start again.
"I think we've got a platform to look forward to the next game against Fulham but it's not ideal because our players go away now for internationals now.
"I'm not looking any further than that.
"There is still a long way to go."
The Scot added: "We're not getting carried away.
"It didn't faze me when we were written off.
"But I do think it's unfair to say this group of players will struggle.
"Last season they finished tenth on 47 points, the previous season they finished 11 on 47 points so those are good solid Premier League seasons."