Clarke hails squad strength as secret to success
STEVE Clarke says if it were up to him he would give all his players an award at tomorrow’s End of Season Dinner.The Baggies head to Southampton today (ko 3pm) in eighth spot in the Barclays Premier League, with five games remaining.
They will then return to the Midlands for the club's awards evening at Birmingham's ICC, where the Supporters' Player of the Year - as voted by fans on Albion's official Facebook page - will be revealed.
But Clarke insists every member of his squad has played a key part in their success this term.
“As a head coach I have to sit on the fence and say I love all my players and I’d vote for them all equally,” said the Albion chief.
“I’ve spoken before about the strength of the squad here and I think the strength of the squad is reflected in the position in the league.
“So for me as a head coach to pick one player and say he’s my favourite wouldn’t be right.
“We have loads of good candidates.
“Over a season the squad is the most important part.
“Sometimes the players that play the least are the most important because they come in when you need a result or the team is stretched to the limit.
“And every bit they do to help the team pick up a point or three points is what determines where you finish in the table at the end of the season.
“So the squad is really important for me.”