West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the appointment of new head coach Steve Clarke.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool first-team coach has put pen to paper on a two-year deal following the Baggies' lengthy search for a new manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson to the England national team last month.

The Premier League club's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the club. We firmly believe we have appointed the right man to keep the club moving forward.

"After Roy was appointed as England manager, we cast the net far and wide to identify the most suitable candidate to fill his shoes.

"From the outset, we decided to pursue candidates who are renowned for their coaching ability and Steve was very much at the forefront of our thoughts because of the clubs he has worked at and the high regard he is held in within the game. After holding talks with Steve, he emerged as the outstanding candidate."

Clarke added: "I'm absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity. Becoming a head coach in my own right has always been an ambition of mine and I feel I have served my apprenticeship. I've done everything I could as an assistant."

The 48-year-old Scotsman has been the right-hand man to Sir Bobby Robson, Jose Mourinho and Kenny Dalglish in his coaching career.