Take it for Grant-ed!
ROSS HEPPENSTALL
STEVE BRUCE was delighted after finally winning as West Brom boss – at the club where he enjoyed such huge success.
The former Hull boss, who twice guided the Tigers to Premier League promotion, had failed to win in five attempts since replacing Valerien Ismael last month.
But a double from Karlan Grant revived the Baggies’ flagging play-off hopes and had Bruce dreaming of a top-six finish.
The 61-year-old said: “We were comfortable weren’t we? That was the best we’ve played since we’ve been here and in difficult conditions too – it was horrible out there. I have to say I’m disappointed I haven’t been able to turn this around quicker, although it’s given me food for thought for the way forward.
“It’s the longest I’ve had to wait in 22 years as a manager, but we’re up and running and let’s hope it’s the start of things to come.”
Grant fired home Alex Mowatt’s delivery to give Albion the lead on 17 minutes.
Grant added a penalty early in the second half after Taylor Gardner-hickman was brought down by Jacob Greaves.
Hull were poor during the first half but gradually improved as Keane Lewis-potter and Tom Eaves spurned decent chances. Bruce is remembered fondly at Hull and added: “I had a wonderful time here.
“If somebody had said to me when I walked through the door we would have two promotions, an FA Cup final and a trip to Europe, I’d have said you were bonkers.” HULL CITY: Ingram 7, Jones 6, Mcloughlin 6, Greaves 6, Slater 6 (Longman 78), Smallwood 6, Docherty 6 (Sayyadmanesh 63, 6), Fleming 6, Honeyman 7, Lewis-potter 6, Smith 6 (Eaves 64, 6) Subs not used: Cartwright, Huddlestone, Bernard, Walsh WEST BROM: Johnstone 7, Ajayi 7, Bartley 7, Clarke 6, Furlong 7, Gardner-hickman 7 (Molumby 87), Livermore 6, Mowatt 6, Townsend 6, Grant 8 (Carroll 89), Robinson 7 (Diangana 82). Subs not used: Button, O’shea, Reach, Kipre. MAN OF THE MATCH: Karlan Grant. Scored a match-winning double to finally ignite Steve Bruce’s reign. REFEREE: James Linington 6