Kevin Phillips praises Steve Bruce following key West Brom change

Steve Bruce hasn’t had the best of starts to his managerial reign at West Bromwich Albion, but there are signs there that things are well and truly on the up.

The Baggies picked up just one point in Bruce’s first five matches in charge after he replaced Valerien Ismael in the dugout, but seven points out of a possible nine in the last two weeks have seen the Midlands side climb back into the play-off picture.

Going into the weekend fixtures, Albion are just six points off the play-off places but there’s a number of teams they have to overtake in the race for the Championship’s end of season lottery.

West Brom’s change in fortunes have coincided with a change of formation from Bruce, who has shelved his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation and gone with a 3-5-2.

It has been utilised since the 2-0 win over Hull City and you get the feeling that it will be the system of choice going forward as the Baggies continue to get positive results.

And it’s a change that ex-West Brom striker Kevin Phillips has praised Bruce for making after seeing his side struggle to make an impact in his opening few games in charge.

“I think you get to a stage where you’ve got nothing to lose,” Phillips said, per West Brom News.

“You know you’re not scoring goals, why would you not try and get two players on the pitch that can put the ball in the back of the net?

“So, only time will tell if it works out, but the law of averages suggests you’ve got more chances of scoring goals when you have more scorers on the pitch.

“I would say that’s a positive move from his point of view, and I’m sure the supporters will be pleased with that.”

The Verdict

West Brom fans are used to seeing their side line up with three defenders this season as Valerien Ismael persisted