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Pardew's Praise For Patient Clarke
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew believes patience has been key to Steve Clarke's success in his maiden managerial role at West Bromwich Albion
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Alan Pardew believes patience has been key to Steve Clarke's success in his maiden managerial role at West Bromwich Albion.
The 49-year-old Scot took over at the Hawthorns in the summer and has guided his troops to sixth place in the Premier League table after eight games, beating the likes of Liverpool and Everton along the way.
Clarke hasn't just fallen into management though, spending the last 14 years working as a number two at a variety of top flight clubs.
In fact, his coaching career began on Tyneside as assistant manager to Ruud Gullit, before being named caretaker manager of the Magpies for one game in 1999.
Clarke then went on to be right hand man to a handful of managers at Chelsea, West Ham United and Liverpool, something which Pardew insists has stood him in good stead for his step up into the Baggies' hot seat.
"I admire Steve because he has gone about his business in the correct manner," said Newcastle's boss, ahead of their meeting with West Brom on Sunday at St. James' Park (3pm kick-off).
"He hasn't sat, looked and put himself up for jobs, he's just done a cracking job wherever he's been, and his reward is a managerial role.
"Of course, with the experience gained under Jose Mourinho and various other managers he's had, he has great experience and therefore is in a better position than most managers to be a success.
"These players who turn into managers immediately and have big clubs, I can't quite understand it. In my book it's almost a chance as to whether they're going to be a success."
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