7. West Bromwich Albion
Since their return to the Premier League in 2010, West Brom have been seen as Premier League mainstays following a spell of yo-yoing between the first and second division. However another case of the managerial merry-go-round, saw Roy Hodgson depart to take up the England post, and left West Brom with a vacancy. After being linked to numerous names, the Baggies punted for former Liverpool and Chelsea Assistant Manager Steve Clarke, despite the Scot having never managed before. Clarke has proved himself as one of the best assistants in the game, especially with regards to the defensive element. Mourinhos right hand man when Chelsea won the Premier League in 2005, and the man behind Kenny Dalglish last season (which saw Liverpool have the 3rd best defence in the league), Clarke is clearly a very good coach, but there is a big difference between being an assistant, and being your own man. Clarke will have to try and keep the dressing room happy, and impose his own style of play on West Brom. His task is made all the more challenging due to the fantastic work done previously by Roy Hodgson. The hierarchy at the Hawthorns stressed how Clarke was appointed for his coaching ability, and thus leaving most transfer activity in the hands of sport director Dan Ashworth, leaving Steve Clarke to concentrate on matters on the pitch, and that is crucially what will define the Baggies season. Clarke will be under pressure to try and get the most out of his players, and with this being his first venture into management only adds to challenge. However he has worked with the best, and should have a wealth of experience which should stand him in good stead for the season ahead. Safety/Relegation Verdict: SAFETY