New West Brom boss Sam Allardyce says he is eager to get started at The Hawthorns after succeeding Slaven Bilic as head coach.
The 66-year-old former England boss has been out of management since leaving Everton at the end of the 2017-18 season.
He takes over a West Brom side lying in 19th in the Premier League after the sacking of Bilic on Wednesday.
“I’m hungrier than ever and I’ve never had such a long break,” said Allardyce.
“I’ve never been so refreshed and eager. I missed it so much. This break went on so long I had lots of pent-up energy, and I need to expend it.
“Sometimes I go into a club and think ‘have I done the right thing’, but it’s all about striving for success. It’s that thrill of trying to get a team out on to the pitch and win.”
Allardyce, who has previously saved Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton from the drop, will start with a midlands derby against Aston Villa on Sunday.
“Most managers come in when the team is struggling,” he said. “You are only as good as your last season. I can accept the sack if I deserve it and I am bitter when I don’t. Nearly all the time I have had it, I didn’t deserve it.
“I must relish it otherwise there is no point coming back to do it.”
Baggies technical director Luke Dowling hopes that the arrival of Allardyce can kick-start their season.
“This year it is even more important to stay up. You can’t let games come and go,” he said.
“As a business we can’t act on emotion. We acted as professionally as we can. With Sam in the club, we feel we have a chance.”
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