Steve Bruce delivers honest verdict on West Brom fans
Steve Bruce has hailed the West Brom fans for their immense support after the Baggies won 2-0 against Hull City on Saturday (5 March) in the Championship.
The Baggies fans voiced their frustrations in recent weeks after a run of poor results. Fans directed their anger on the players, saying ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’.
However, the same fans gave the players a standing ovation after their latest victory and it has pleased the Baggies boss.
Bruce said, as quoted by Express and Star: “Look how different it is. Five days ago they were booed off and were not fit to wear the shirt, then they get a standing ovation. That’s football.
“I’m just pleased the fans enjoyed watching their team. They travelled a long way. They’re fiercely loyal, and we gave them something to shout about which ought to be a given when you’re at West Brom.”
The West Brom boss also hinted that he could stick with the three men at the back system. He added: “It does suit the squad. Cedric hasn’t had a chance yet, we’ve got O’Shea too, and we’ve got Kean Bryan who’s injured.
“It’s fair to say we’ve got six or seven centre-backs who could play comfortably in the Championship.
“And at Hull, we looked a threat, and we had a bit of control about us.”
Confidence
Under Valerien Ismael, West Brom played in a 3-4-3 system, and we all know how that went.
Bruce switched the model to 4-3-3 and it wasn’t paying results. The former Newcastle United boss failed to win any of his opening five games.
Against Hull City, he switched it to a 3-5-2 system, and the 61-year-old feels that he has found the right balance.
To be fair, the Baggies are stocked in defence, with the squad boasting as many as six centre-backs.
It was a big win for the Baggies, and the pressure has been lifted.
According to a recent report from The Atheltic, Bruce was shell-shocked to find how bad the squad has become since he took charge.
At the same time, there are suggestions that the players are scared to put the wrong foot due to intense criticisms from the fans.
Jake Livermore is one player who has got more abuse from the fans than any other player.
However, the Baggies need the support of the fans as they look to climb up the league table.
It remains to be seen whether the victory can spur them into maintaining a late challenge for a place in the play-offs.
In other West Brom news, Steve Bruce calls for more from Grady Diangana.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Baggies plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.