Former Newcastle United star takes brutal swipe at Steve Bruce after West Brom sacking

Andy Carroll couldn’t resist a dig at his former Newcastle United and West Brom boss Steve Bruce.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has taken aim at Steve Bruce after he was sacked by West Bromwich Albion.

Carroll reunited with Bruce at the Hawthorns in February having been signed by the previous manager Valerien Ismael on a short-term contract a month earlier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And, after three goals in 15 appearances, the striker, even before the Championship season was over, was told by Bruce that his deal would not be extended.

The 33-year-old subsequently became a free agent before returning to Reading, the team he first joined when released by Bruce at Newcastle, in September.

The Baggies’ first game without Bruce is against Reading on Saturday, and Carroll says sacking the 61-year-old takes away a “guaranteed three points” for his side.

Former Newcastle United pair Steve Bruce and Andy Carroll. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Former Newcastle United pair Steve Bruce and Andy Carroll. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United pair Steve Bruce and Andy Carroll. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“It’s always sad to see people get the sack,” Carroll told the Reading Chronicle. “Especially when we were guaranteed three points at the weekend. It is a shame but that’s football.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“You don’t get the results, it’s a business at the end of the day. That’s why you have to keep the lads together and work hard as a manager and get the lads working hard for you. Everyone is enjoying themselves.”

Albion youth coach Richard Beale has been placed in interim charge, with Millwall manager Gary Rowett the bookmakers’ current favourite to take over.

The Midlands club were sixth when Bruce was appointed in February. They now sit 22nd with just one win from their opening 13 games.

“I’m surprised,” Carroll added. “They’ve got a great squad and a great team. It’s surprising to see them down there but it is the way football is. If they win the next three or four games they’re right back up there.”