I felt for Kenny Dalglish after Liverpool axe, says Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke has admitted he was disappointed for Kenny Dalglish after he was sacked by Liverpool in May.

Clarke has been appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor at West Bromwich Albion after he parted company with the Reds on “amicable terms” earlier this month following Dalglish’s departure.

The 48-year-old, who is taking on the manager’s role for the first time, will face Liverpool at the Hawthorns on the opening day of the 2012-13 Premier League season.

The Reds suffered an alarming dip in form in the second half of the season, managing just two victories at Anfield in 2012, resulting in the dismissal of Dalglish and Clarke.

“I was disappointed for Kenny because that is his club and for him to leave in that way was not very nice for him, so I felt a little bit for Kenny,” said Clarke.

“But if you don’t achieve the standards or the levels of the people who run the club want you to achieve, you have to pay the price.”

After working at Chelsea as a youth team coach, Clarke was promoted to first-team coach by José Mourinho in 2004 and enjoyed four fruitful seasons in the position before linking up with Gianfranco Zola at West Ham United in 2008.

Clarke left the Hammers in June 2010, and six months later, Dalglish brought in the former Scotland international at Anfield.

“Football has changed. The whole structure of football has changed,” Clarke added.

“Success has to be instant and has to be on a level expected at whatever club you are at – look at the Harry Redknapp situation at Tottenham.”

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