Dean Jones: Steve Bruce under even more pressure at West Brom because of Watford sacking
Journalist Dean Jones believes Watford sacking Rob Edwards could push the West Brom board to reconsider Steve Bruce’s position.
Watford sacked Edwards on Monday despite the Hornets sitting 10th in the Championship standings. While they are a club infamous for their constant managerial merry-go-round, it has also broken the ice for sackings this season.
If Watford are unhappy with their position at this point in the season, then there’s no doubt West Brom will be fuming at Bruce for slumping down to 21st in the table.
With that in mind, Jones believes Bruce’s job is under more pressure than ever as the Championship returns this weekend.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, former Eurosport and Bleacher Report journalist Jones said: “I don’t actually think his job is totally safe. I think we’re going to have to see how he now restarts the season.
“I’m not sure it helps that Watford have made a change because Watford are 11 places higher than Steve Bruce’s and they already feel the need to change.”
Last chance
Watford have paved the way for more managerial sackings in the Championship, and Bruce is right at the top of the list when it comes to favourites to go.
Another few weeks of poor form and suddenly the Baggies could find themselves too far outside the play-off places to even challenge.
Therefore, it’s increasingly important that Bruce churns out results immediately – he can no longer be judged on performances.
The pattern of draws has to come to an end against Swansea on the weekend, otherwise, Bruce will be facing a one-way trip to the chopping block.
The only thing that may stop the Baggies board is the lack of an obvious replacement. Watford did well to appoint former West Brom boss Slaven Bilic this week – he would’ve likely been among the top candidates to replace Bruce.
Conversations over potential replacements are likely already happening at the Hawthorns this week, and that tells you all you need to know about Bruce’s chances of keeping his job.
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