Simon Cox says what West Brom fans are thinking about Steve Bruce

Ex-West Bromwich Albion striker Simon Cox has questioned whether his former club should appoint Steve Bruce as the successor to recently sacked manager Valerien Ismael.

Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City boss Bruce has been heavily tipped to take over at the Hawthorns and Sky Sports claim West Brom are now in 'advanced talks' to appoint the 61-year-old.

Bruce could be set for a return to management after being sacked by Newcastle in October, but Cox thinks the Baggies should be looking more long-term when choosing their next head coach.

"They want to get out of the Championship, but I think they'll look a little bit longer term possibly if they can," Cox said on Sky Sports.

"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. Listen, 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."

Speaking of Ismael's sacking, Cox added: "Four defeats out of the last six, I think he started well but ultimately the results over the last few months haven't been up to standard.

"Like I said before West Brom are a team that need to be up at the top, not really in the play-offs. I would say that they probably don't see that as a successful season.

"It was probably a time change because I don't see how the players were getting what they needed to to get the job done.

"Hopefully, if it is Steve Bruce, results will change and they can put a run together that will see them at the top of the table."