Kevin Campbell reacts as Steve Bruce is sacked by West Brom, 'it was always coming'

We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…

Kevin Campbell isn't surprised by Steve Bruce's sacking at West Brom with the 61-year-old's spell at The Hawthorns being compared to a firework that fails to take off.

Bruce was sacked by the Baggies on Monday after a rotten run of form that saw the Black Country club sitting in the Championship relegation zone with one win in 13 matches.

The former Newcastle and Aston Villa manager was appointed by CEO Ron Gourlay in February but leaves The Hawthorns with a poor win record of just 23 per cent.

Ex-Albion striker Campbell admits he's not shocked to see Bruce go but he was surprised to see him failing to get a tune out of West Brom's squad.

"It was always coming, unfortunately, for Steve Bruce," Campbell told West Brom News. "He's a lovely guy but look, it's a results-based business, isn't it?

"With his know-how in the Championship, you'd have expected a reaction from the team when he was appointed but he just never really took off at West Brom.

"It's like lighting a firework and it doesn't take off and the wick goes out. I think that's what's happened at West Brom.

"They've got one of the best squads in the Championship and you'd expect more from them.

"With an experienced manager like Bruce coming in, you'd expect them to be up there challenging and I just think it's been a damp squib.

"The fuse has gone out, they haven't looked interested.

"The buck stops with the manager but there are certain players there... they've got a really good side and they should be winning a lot more games.

"It was always coming, unfortunately."

In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski is reliably informed this manager wants the job at The Hawthorns.