Scott Parker can have last laugh on Steve Bruce as West Brom face play-off make-or-break

Scott Parker and Steve Bruce go head-to-head on Wednesday night with the tables having turned in their managerial careers in just 12 months.

Parker looks destined for a Premier League return as boss of Bournemouth and a win against Bruce's faltering West Bromwich Albion would move them a step closer to the top flight. It would also hammer another nail, and a potentially fatal one, into the Baggies' faint hopes of reaching the play-offs in what has been a disappointing campaign back in the Championship for them.

It is a stark contrast to this time last year when relative rookie Parker was heading for relegation with Fulham whilst veteran Bruce's Newcastle won five of their last eight games to finish in 12th position - their best placing for four seasons. Ironically the final game of last season saw the Magpies seal a routine 2-0 win at Craven Cottage against an already-relegated Fulham side.

The win meant Newcastle finished 18 points clear of the Cottagers after Parker's attempts at mind games earlier in the season failed to have the desired effect.

Paker said in February of that season that his old club could well be dragged into a dogfight. Bruce responded with his own barb, saying: "Fulham have won and closed the gap a bit, but they’re still struggling to win as well. They have only won one in 14 games. It’s all to play for. From 13th downwards you’re looking over your shoulder. We’re not alone in it. If they (Fulham) are confident, then let’s see where we are at the end of the season. You have to quietly go about your job and get the points on the board."

Bruce had the last laugh but it would quickly unravel for him on Tyneside, with the 61-year-old unceremoniously sacked by Newcastle just one game into their