Free-transfer striker fails to boost Clarke’s West Brom job security
Published:Steve Clarke remains a co-favourite at 6/1 to be the first Premier League manager to leave their job this season and the signing of Markus Rosenberg does little to suggest that his position at West Brom is any more stable.
This is Clarke’s first stint as first-team manager and although he has built up a vast amount of experience as assistant boss at clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool, there remain doubts as to whether he can cut it in the chief hotseat.
Finding a regular goalscorer will be a massive help to his cause and going by his record in five seasons at Werder Bremen, Rosenberg is unlikely to be a massive hit in front of goal.
The fact that he was outscored by Claudio Pizarro does little to suggest he will reach double figures in terms of Premier League goals.
To be fair to the Sweden international, this has not typically been his role, as he is more at home as a support striker to make runs and draw defenders into unwanted positions, which in terms creates space for others.
This could be of benefit with Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie playing as the furthest man forward and both of this duo have the finishing ability to take advantage of excess space in the opposition penalty box.
Meanwhile, the fact he was picked to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Sweden attack at Euro 2012 goes some way to showing his capability.
Liverpool have also previously been interested in Rosenberg but this seems to have cooled now that they have bought Fabio Borini, although Serie A side Pescara have not totally given up on luring the striker to Italy.
If Rosenberg is more of a miss than a hit at West Brom, 10/3 could be decent value in the Premier League odds that the Baggies are relegated this season.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
