Steve Bruce reveals why he chose West Brom over other jobs elsewhere
Steve Bruce was appointed as the new West Brom manager on Thursday (3 February) and the decision to join the Baggies was an easy one.
Speaking to the media for the first time since the announcement, the 61-year-old revealed that he had been approached by other clubs in England and even from abroad before he accepted the role at The Hawthorns.
He has been out of work since being sacked by Newcastle in October, shortly after his boyhood club were the subject of a takeover.
“I’ve had one or two opportunities, a couple from abroad, one in particular in this country, and I didn’t even think about it,” Bruce said in his press conference.
“When I got the phone call off Ron, it was a different story. I said: ‘I fancy a little bit of that’.
“Did I have the enthusiasm for it; do I still want to work again? yes. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for me to go and enjoy management again.
“This is a Premier League club, 13 out of the last 20 years in the Premier League, that’s the attraction.
“I’ve always liked to think I’ve had a good time in the Championship, I’d love to make it five (promotions) and that’s what I’m here for.”
All the right noises
24 hours since his appointment, and there’s nothing to be overly concerned about yet which is exactly what the club needs right now.
Bruce is saying all the things you would hope he would and he seems to be as committed as ever to making this job a success.
He may come off the back of a rocky end to his time at Newcastle but he has managed so many clubs in his lengthy career that it can be overlooked and Baggies fans should be excited to have this perennial promotion winner in the dugout.
There will certainly be a feeling of optimism around the club now with Valerien Ismael no longer at the helm.
Bruce’s first game will come away at Sheffield United on Wednesday (9 February) while his home debut will be the big promotion clash against Blackburn Rovers on 14 February.
In other West Brom news, a BBC journalist believes this Baggies senior star was AWOL from a team meeting.