Steve Bruce looking forward as West Brom boss after Newcastle sacking
Steve Bruce says now is the time to take West Brom forward after returning to management four months after being sacked by Newcastle.
The former Villa and Birmingham boss signed an 18-month deal at the Hawthorns to take over from Valerien Ismael this week, as the Baggies look to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Bruce was sacked by Newcastle in November and said at the time that it would likely be his last job in management, but he’s now taken over at West Brom and says he’s only focused on moving forward now.
“You look at it, and you want to go away,” he said during his press conference unveiling. “But the only way is to get back on the horse. It’s gone, behind me, now we move forward.
“Newcastle is gone. It’s a chapter of my football life. I want them to do well under Eddie. In a few years they might think finishing 12th and 13th mightn’t have been so bad after all.
“Now it’s time to take West Brom forward.”
Point to prove
Bruce won’t have been the most popular appointment among Baggies fans, but his reputation precedes him when it comes to getting back into the Premier League.
He has the most promotions of any active manager right now from Championship to Premier League and he will know West Brom fans better than most from his time at their Midlands rivals.
While the style of football won’t be the most exciting, the club are sure to be prioritising results over substance right now so if he can hit the ground running then everyone will be happy.
After the way his spell at Newcastle ended he will have a big point to prove that he isn’t finished as a manager, while the players should all be looking to improve considering there is a new man in charge.
There is plenty of room for improvement in this side, especially in the goals department, so if Bruce can get that right then the Baggies will be on the right track for promotion.
In other West Brom news, View: What is Steve Bruce’s best XI when everyone is fit?