Steve Bruce could be facing the sack as he struggles to find form with West Bromwich Albion. With just 10 points from a possible 33, West Brom occupy 21st place in the league and fans are losing their patience. With Bruce’s experience and Albion’s recent Premier League status, fans and pundits alike expected much better.
The Former Newcastle United Manager Is Struggling in His New Post at West Brom
The Baggies Were Tipped To Be Much Higher in the Table Than Their Current Form Suggests
Manager Steve Bruce is only eight months into his role with The Baggies yet his position is already being questioned. The game against Swansea sums up the season that Bruce is having. Despite being ahead at the 65th minute, his team capitulated to 16th-placed Swansea City and lost the game 3-2. Lacking that bit of luck, the home side even saw an 81st-minute penalty miss from Karlan Grant that would have put them ahead.
The fans made their voices heard around the Hawthorns after their team extend their winless run to seven games. The boos from the home crowd gave a glimpse into the toxic environment the club finds itself in. It is still early in the season but Bruce will need a good run of form to keep the pressure off. As reported in The Birmingham Live, Bruce bemoans the defensive frailties: “We’ve got to do better defensively, and that’s not just the back four and goalkeeper, it’s the whole team, to defend as a team. I thought we were much better last time at Norwich, but against Swansea we were nowhere near it.”
However, with eight managerial sackings in the Championship already, time may not be on his side. As reported by The Chronicle Live, when asked about his job security, Bruce said: “I don’t expect reassurances. I will get on with the job. We need to turn it around and I’m convinced we will.” he followed by saying “At the moment things are tough. We’re nowhere near what is acceptable. And when I look around me and see managers gone we all understand the game. But I’ve not given up yet.”
Next Up For West Brom
West Brom’s next game is a midweek fixture tomorrow against Preston North End. Preston are just three points ahead of West Brom and sit in 14th place.
There will, of course, be heavy scrutiny regarding Bruce’s team selection. The manager is hoping Tom Rogic, who signed on a free from Celtic, will be a boon to his team. However, the Australian had an underwhelming Albion debut against Swansea but is admittedly lacking match sharpness. Whether or not he starts will be a point of contention. And some fans want to see goalkeeper David Button replaced. Although, Bruce is backing Button all the way. As stated in Birmingham Live, Bruce discusses Button’s performances: “He’s frustrated because at the end of the day goalkeepers don’t want goals to go in, they pride themselves on keeping a clean sheet,” Bruce said of Button. “We have to help him more, he hasn’t helped himself [v Swansea], of course, but we haven’t helped him enough.” However, statistically, the keeper is performing well under expectations.
Steve Bruce is having to fight fires on all sides as the risk of the sack looms, however, defeat against Preston may seal his fate.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮/𝟮𝟯. 📸 pic.twitter.com/THsNAxawQR
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) September 29, 2022
