Interviews

Clarke: 'We want Hawthorns to be a fortress'

Clarke training

Matt Clarke says Albion have already taken “plenty of confidence from playing and winning at The Hawthorns” this season ahead of Hull City’s midweek visit to B71.

The newly-promoted Tigers come to town on Wednesday night (ko 8pm), with the Baggies hoping to secure a fourth consecutive home victory following triumphs over QPR, Birmingham City and Bristol City.

And the defender insists his side are trying to make their familiar turf a “fortress” as they target further success in front of the Albion faithful.

Karlan Grant celebrates his goal in Albion's 3-0 home win against Bristol City

Matt said: “We’re delighted to be back at home on Wednesday and then again on Saturday.

“Our home form has been good so far this season.

“Wednesday’s game gives us the chance to bounce back from the disappointment of losing at Fulham.

“We’ve taken plenty of confidence from playing and winning at The Hawthorns already this season.

“You want your home stadium to be a fortress. We want people to fear coming to The Hawthorns.

“Our recent form at home has been good and we’ve managed to pick up three consecutive victories. 

“We want to try and build on that and make it four and five this week.”

Clarke in action against Birmingham City

Hull have lost their last four games and will arrive in the West Midlands inside the bottom three on Wednesday, but Clarke insists he and his team-mates won’t be underestimating the visitors.

“There are always different tests in this league and that’s the beauty of the Championship.

“Hull will be a different test to what we came up against at Craven Cottage, but it doesn’t mean we can approach it in a different way.

“We have to give them the respect they deserve and we can’t afford to underestimate them.

“We’d love nothing more than to get another home win under our belts and get a good feeling back after the weekend’s defeat.”

  • Clarke