Club News

Clarke happy to end tour on high

Head coach pleased by training camp

STEVE Clarke is delighted with his side’s pre-season preparations – after finishing the tour of Austria and Hungary with a 3-0 victory over Puskas FC Academy earlier this evening.
 
Graham Dorrans netted a penalty and Nicolas Anelka fired a double as the Baggies ran out comfortable winners in Sopron, Hungary.   
 
And head coach Clarke is pleased with the efforts of his players during their eight-day Austrian training camp.
 
“We've had a good week's work in Austria,” said Clarke.
 
“It's been fantastic.
 
“To come here and play a very competitive match was important for us.
 
“Tonight was a good game for us.
 
“The Academy were maybe a bit nervous.
 
“But in the second half they had more possession.
 
“The quality went down a little bit after 60 minutes but the first 45 minutes was a good work out.”
 
Clarke praised Puskas for providing competitive opposition against his Barclays Premier League outfit.
 
“The physicality of the game is different in England,” Clarke added.
 
“It's a physical, powerful game in the Premier League.
 
“I spoke to their coach before the game about that.
 
“In the Premier League you have to be strong, week in, week out, and you have to be ready for that.
 
“When the young lads came on for them they settled into the game and looked comfortable.
 
“It must be pleasing for their coach that he can make so many changes and still be in the game.”