Steve Bruce makes frank West Brom promotion admission

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce believes it will be a tall order for his side to win a top-two spot now after enduring a poor run of form, making this admission to the Express and Star.

Following a bright start to the 2021/22 campaign under Valerien Ismael, going unbeaten in their opening ten league games and scoring for fun against the likes of Sheffield United and Cardiff City, they established themselves as firm favourites to win automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, cracks even started to appear during that ten-game unbeaten when they drew three consecutive matches after the international break, even being booed off with their lack of quality in the final third.

Their defence was rarely a problem under the Frenchman with the Baggies remaining reasonably solid at the back throughout his tenure – but their inability to be clinical and general lack of quality in attacking areas proved to be the 46-year-old’s downfall at The Hawthorns.

Many of the second-tier side’s supporters believe his style of play was a major issue – and with a change in style and formation with Steve Bruce coming in – some believed their form would vastly improve.

However, they have won just one point from a possible nine under the former Newcastle United manager’s stewardship so far and look set for a midtable finish or lower unless their fortunes improve.

Bruce understands the magnitude of the task he faces – and all but ruled out a top-two finish as he spoke honestly to the Express and Star ahead of this evening’s game against Middlesbrough.

The 61-year-old said: “It’s going to be very difficult to push for the top two.

“At the start of the season when you looked at West Brom you thought,