Long haul suits Bruce
STEVE BRUCE wants to remain in charge of West Bromwich Albion next season.
The 61-year-old Geordie has confirmed he would like to stay at The Hawthorns after succeeding Valerien Ismael.
Despite a sticky start, during which the Baggies failed to win their first five games under the new manager, they are currently unbeaten in four.
West Brom have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs but, as Bruce admitted his men “need to win two out of the next three,” to force themselves back into contention.
The former Manchester United Doublewinner has not thrown in the towel this season, but wants to see if he can add to his four promotions from the Championship next year with the Black Country club.
Bruce said: “I’ve really enjoyed it – there’s a bit of work to be done, but I’ve really enjoyed the two months – I’d love to stay.
“If we finish mid-table, like we are now, it’s not good enough for this club.
“We’d have to address it and I’d have to ask the question: ‘What do we do?’
“But I’m still assessing – I’ve not seen three of our players in action – and two of them are arguably the better ones we have on the books.
“I’ve not seen Daryl Dike or Matty Phillips. I’ll have to have a look at what we do. Kenneth Zohore is another one.
“My sole focus has to be on the here and now. That will look after itself, obviously.
“The picture will be clearer in a couple of weeks. However, if it needs a big turnaround, I will do it.
“There’s always time for change.
“To be fair, that’s pretty normal when a team has been together for a while – there are players who have done well here but they have been together for four or five years.”
Bruce returns to St Andrew’s this afternoon, to the club where he forged his reputation as a manager, winning two promotions – bringing Premier League football to the Blues for the first time.
After managing Brum’s fierce rivals Aston Villa he is unsure of the reception he will receive, however.
He admitted: “I went back to watch a game at Birmingham a few weeks ago.
“Everyone around me was great – they were, honestly.
“I feared the worst. But a couple of the big boys came in to see me and shook me by the hand. I’m sure it will be OK.
“But I’ll understand if it’s not… I mean, I’ve clearly got a problem, haven’t I?
“I can’t go back to parts of the Midlands, Sheffield or the north-east, can I?
“No, joking apart, I’m hoping it will be fine.”