Club News

Zoltan hails Clarke impact

Midfielder says current boss has succeeded in following in Hodgson's footsteps

ZOLTAN Gera admits Roy Hodgson was a hard act to follow as Baggies boss – but believes Steve Clarke has pulled it off.

Albion are currently sitting in ninth spot in England’s top flight on 37 points - just two off seventh place, with a game in hand on the two sides directly above them.

And, with 12 games remaining, there is every possibility Clarke’s troops can surpass the club’s best-ever Barclays Premier League finish of tenth, which came courtesy of their 47-points haul under now-England manager Hodgson last term.

Gera also believes the club have come a long way since he joined the Black Country outfit for his first spell in 2004 because of a series of successful appointments of managers/head coaches.

“I think there is a big, big difference now because when I came to the club the manager’s style was different and the squad was different,” said the Hungary skipper.

“I’ve learned from every single manager at the club during my time – Gary Megson, Bryan Robson, Tony Mowbray, Roy Hodgson and now Steve Clarke.

“The club always finds a good manager and I was quite happy with everyone of them.

“This is a different era because we are a stable Premier League team and the head coach has done a fantastic job.

“I’m sure it was difficult for him after Roy leaving.

“It’s hard and I think he has done very well in his first year as a No.1.

“He’s done so, so good.

“He never panics.

"Some managers panic - but he always trusts in the players and says the right things in the dressing room before the game, after the game and at half-time.

“I think he has a very good future.”