Steve Bruce finally lays to rest Newcastle United burden at West Brom

Steve Bruce ended a 287-day wait spanning 14 matches for a victory after West Brom secured their first success of his reign at former club Hull on Saturday.

The last time Bruce and his staff were able to enjoy their evening returning from a game triumphant was back in May of last year; with former club Newcastle United in bother towards the end of the season, Bruce guided the club to five wins in their final eight matches of the season to remain in the Premier League.

He went eight without a win at the beginning of this season, though, and after the Magpies were taken over, he was relieved of his duties in October. The first five games at Albion, which yielded a single point, didn’t exactly go to plan, but they finally got it right via a Karlan Grant brace at the MKM Stadium.

“It’s the longest I’ve waited in 22 years and I wish it would’ve been earlier! But listen, we’re up and running and let’s hope it’s the start of things to come,” Bruce said.

“That’s why I’m here. I always feel for the previous manager too. It’s the industry we’re in. When you go on a bad run, it’s sometimes difficult to see the wood from the trees.

It usually takes 75 points to get in the top six, but it might not be as many this year as there are that many teams in it. It gives us a chance. That’s all it is.”

It’s one small step in the right direction. Albion have been dreadful on the road for months but they provided some light relief for those hardy travellers who occupied the away end, undeterred by the club’s tumbling down the league table.

“Look how different it is,” Bruce reasoned. “A week ago they were booed off and were not fit to wear the shirt, then [at Hull] they’ve got a standing ovation. That’s football.

“They’ve enjoyed watching