But boss says interest in his players is not unsettling
STEVE Clarke says outside interest in his players is not unsettling – but hopes rival clubs get the message they are not for sale.
The Baggies boss revealed on Thursday that Albion had rejected out of hand an offer from QPR for Jonas Olsson.
And he had to field further questions from journalists after Saturday’s defeat at Reading following media speculation that the same club had enquired about Peter Odemwingie.
Clarke claims he cannot stop anyone showing an interest in his troops, saying it is part and parcel of the transfer window.
But he says all enquiries will be rebuffed.
“It would be nice if clubs accepted the fact our players aren’t for sale,” he said.
“But clubs are entitled to make enquiries and put bids in, as long as it's done in the right manner. If that's the case, we have no complaints or grievances.
“It's not unsettling. It happens because there is such a media interest in the game. It's part of the job.
“But any bids or enquiries will be met with the same answer: no.”
Clarke will today continue putting right what went wrong in the final nine minutes at Reading with his players.
He was part of the Liverpool coaching staff that witnessed a similar defeat last March, when Kenny Dalglish’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead at QPR.
On that occasion, Rangers’ three goals came in the final 13 minutes.
“That was exactly the same game as Saturday,” he reflected.
“We had total domination against a team at the bottom fighting for their lives.
“Credit to Reading – they came back and got the 3-2 win.
“Even they would admit it was undeserved – but that's football.
“We will be getting the players in, chatting about the game and making sure what we did wrong we never do wrong in the future.”