Beck Pascal

Fri 4 February 2022 11:10, UK

Steve Bruce’s one aim is to get West Brom back to the Premier League in his first message to the Baggies fans.

Bruce, 61, was appointed manager following the departure of Valerien Ismael after just seven months in charge at the Hawthorns.

The former Newcastle United said he didn’t ‘envisage’ managing another club so soon after being hounded out at St. James’ Park

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage a club that has such great history and tradition,” he told The Star.

“It is a club I obviously know well from my time in the Midlands, and I am already relishing the challenge of taking it forward.

“I did not envisage I would return to management this quickly, but once I got the phone call from Ron, I knew I could not resist the challenge of getting this club back to where they want to be…

“I am coming in with one aim and that is to get Albion to the Premier League.”

Huge task

It is a surprise that Bruce is back in action so quickly. Things turned really ugly up in Newcastle towards the end of his tenure with the former Manchester United player saying he needed time out with the public harassment taking its toll on his family.

If Bruce manages to successfully reach his Premier League target outlined, things will be very different at the Hawthorns and he could be considered somewhat of a legend for regaining Albion’s topflight status.

He has got a very tough job on his hands though. Ismael was sacked with West Brom completely lacking attacking creativity and failing to be clinical in front of goal.

The 61-year-old is hardly renowned for his free flowing attacking football so the Baggies could be facing the same problem.

With that being said, he clearly knows how to get promoted from the Championship with more promotions to the Premier League than any other manager.

Hopefully he can get the best out of the players, something Ismael failed to, and secure promotion.

In other Albion news, View: Steve Bruce and West Brom are a match made in heaven.