Ex-West Brom striker admits concerns over potential managerial appointment

The Baggies are looking for a new manager following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael yesterday.

The club have been linked with the appointment of Steve Bruce, who reportedly held talks with the club on Wednesday evening. 

A decision is expected on the appointment today, as the club looks to have a manager in charge for their next game. 

However, Cox admitted he believes Bruce would be the wrong appointment for the club to make at this juncture. 

“They want to get out of the Championship, but I think they’ll look a little bit longer term possibly if they can,” said Cox, via the Birmingham Mail. 

“I’m not sure Steve Bruce is the kind of manager the West Brom fans will be looking for.

“It will take time, but the only way they’ll buy into it is if he gets the job done. West Bromwich Albion are a team and a club that need to be playing at least at the top of the Championship but definitely in the Premier League.

“So if he can make that happen then they’ll take to him but if he doesn’t he is in for a tough ride.”

Cox played for the Baggies from 2009 to 2012, appearing 65 times and scoring 10 goals. 

The Irishman featured for the club in the Championship and the Premier League under managers such as Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Hodgson.

West Brom are currently sixth in the Championship, with 45 points from 29 games. The Baggies have fallen eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Their recent form has seen the club win only one league game in their last seven, which is what resulted in the dismissal of Ismael earlier this week. 

Up next for West Brom is a trip to Bramall Lane as they face Sheffield United on February 9. 

Bruce last managed Newcastle United in the Premier League for just over two seasons. However, in