Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce looks set for return to dugout with Championship side

Former Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is being heavily linked with the vacant manager’s position at Championship side West Brom.

The 63-year old has been out of work since being sacked by United back in October but various reports have him as the preferred candidate to take over from Valérien Ismaël at The Hawthorns.

Not only do the media seem to think that the Corbridge born coach will take up the position, the bookmakers also see him as heavy favourite to land the role.

Bruce was already the favourite for the role, as reported by NewcastleWorld yesterday, but the latest media reports have seen his odds cut even further.

Here is everything you need to know about Steve Bruce potentially taking over at West Brom, including what has been reported and the latest betting odds.

Steve Bruce to West Brom? Former Newcastle United manager in the running

Multiple UK news sources are reporting that Steve Bruce is in line to become the new manager of West Brom including The Guardian, The Mirror and TalkSport among others.

Despite the 63-year old suggesting he would not return to the dugout after his sacking from Newcaslte last year, it now looks like he could do a u-turn on those comments and find himself leading the Baggies push for a return to the Premier League.

The Hawthorns’ side are currently sixth in the Championship but have won just one of their last six league fixtures.

Former head coach Valérien Ismaël was sacked following their most recent defeat which came in the form of a 2-0 home loss to 13th placed Preston North End.

Bruce notably managed West Brom’s rivals Aston Villa from 2016 to 2018 and Birmingham City from 2001 to 2007 and has no qualms about crossing derby divides having also been in charge at Sunderland prior to his stint with Newcastle United while also having been in charge at both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

The former Manchester United players is a vastly experienced coach and has also manged Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace and Hull City.

Next West Brom manager odds

The bookmakers have Steve Bruce as the heavy odds on favourite to be the next manager of West Brom.

The former Newcastle United head coach was already the favourite to the job prior to any media coverage of him taking up the role but the odds have now been cut significantly.

Bruce is 1/8 on for the job, making it a near certainty that he will be offered the job barring any drastic changes.

Also in the betting, but some way behind Bruce, are former Parma manager and Manchester City coach Enzo Meresca at 11/1, former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic who is 11/1 despite having been sacked by the Baggies during his first stint as their manager less than two years ago and current Blackburn Rovers gaffer Tony Mowbary at 12/1.

Bruce isn't the only ex-Newcastle United coach in the betting with Sam Allardyce priced at 20/1 and Alan Pardew at 33/1 while former players Lee Bowyer is also in the betting at 25/1 after leaving the Birmingham City job last year.