Steve Bruce reacts to 'bizarre' reunion with Andy Carroll and others after Newcastle exit

Former Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce admits it is 'bizarre' to be reunited with Andy Carroll and 'four or five' others at West Brom.

The 61-year-old was appointed at the Hawthorns as Valerien Ismael's successor on Wednesday, months after leaving the Magpies by mutual agreement following a tumultuous two-year spell on Tyneside.

Bruce will once again work with former Newcastle number nine Carroll, who left his boyhood club in the summer after growing frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities.

The Gateshead-born striker agreed a deal with the Baggies just days prior to Bruce's arrival until the end of the season, having impressed during a short-term spell with Championship rivals Reading.

Reflecting on his unexpected reunion with Carroll and other familiar faces, Bruce told WBA TV: "I've worked with four or five of them which is quite bizarre.

"They know what I'm all about, I'm delighted to see them all again. It's been great watching some of their careers.

"Someone like Connor Townsend for examples is [from] a long, long time ago. I remember saying well done to him on the pitch last year.

"I'm delighted to see how he's improved and modelled his career. I'm looking forward to working with them again."

Carroll was a free agent at the start of the season, and spoke at length about the end of his second Newcastle spell in an interview with Alan Shearer in September.

The former Liverpool and West Ham striker admitted it was a difficult decision to leave the Magpies for a second time, but said he was not part of Bruce's plans at the club.

Carroll told the Athletic: “I mean, 100 per cent I wanted to be there. I could have played more last season, I could be playing there this season.

"I’m not saying I should