Clarke pleased with standing ovation from Chelsea fans

Chelsea legend Steve Clarke said he was thrilled with the standing ovation he received on his first return to Stamford Bridge as a manager, but insisted the current mess at his former club was of no interest to him.

The West Brom boss saw his Baggies side comprehensively outplayed by the Blues, albeit they only lost by a 1-0 margin.

Clarke, who played more than 400 games for Chelsea and was a key part of Jose Mourinho’s hugely successful backroom coaching team, was given a fantastic reception by the home fans.

But he refused to be drawn on the controversial midweek comments made by counterpart Rafael Benitez in which the Spaniard criticised the club and the fans who continue to boo him.

“It is not my concern. I was not taking much notice of it. I don’t think it is right to comment on another team,” said Clarke.

“Chelsea fans have always good to me. I have been back numerous times over the years and they have always been good.

“I was there 12 years as a player and eight years as a coach and did alright so I am probably entitled.

“They always give me a good reception. I am always pleased when I come back that they remember me.”

He added: “They are top team with fantastic players, but we stayed in the game until the last minute. We just couldn’t get the clearcut chances to get a goal.”

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