Clarke, who penned a three-year deal at Banks's Stadium following the sacking of fan-favourite Dean Keates, has been tasked with rebuilding a fallen Walsall FC, and is fully prepared for the heavy pressure which just sort of a task is likely to bring.
The 41-year-old is no stranger to pressure however, as he experienced both highs and lows with former club Bristol Rovers, guiding them through two promotions but also suffering relegation, something he feels stands him in good stead as he begins life in the Black Country.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Darrell said; "There is always pressure. Pressure as a football manager is always around the corner. I think it’s going to be tough.
"The job is going to be tough, I know that, and you’re always under pressure as a manager to win football games. But in a sick sort of way that is what I have missed the most – the pressure.
"Once you are in that dugout, you want to be feeling the pressure. It’s a rebuild job. Can we hit the ground running? That is what we are hoping to do.
"Realistically, it can take a bit of time to build, as you can see that at my previous clubs. But we’ll see how we go."
Along with his success at the Memorial Ground, Clarke, who had been out of work since leaving the Pirates in December, also won promotion from the National League South with Salisbury City and used his five-month hiatus from the game to visit some of his fellow managers and pick up some fresh ideas.
Mansfield-born Clarke, who has already added former Rovers midfielder Stuart Sinclair to his squad, continued; "I’ve had a high intensity last eight years as a manager and some high-pressure jobs for different reasons.
"Bristol Rovers is a superb football club with a great fan base, but building that was very challenging and very tiring. I have really enjoyed the break. I have been around a few clubs and spoken to a few managers.
"I went to see Kenny Jackett at Portsmouth for example. I have studied the game. You never stop learning as a manager. I have spoken to a lot of people. I have been busy."