“The biggest disappointment for me” – Steve Bruce delivers verdict on West Brom man’s situation at The Hawthorns

Seeing his contract ticking down at West Brom, Sam Johnstone’s future is certainly up in the air with the summer now in sight. 

Johnstone, who has long been a reliable option at The Hawthorns, has seen performances dip in recent weeks, with the 28-year-old at fault for both of Huddersfield Town’s goals on Friday evening.

A recent report from The Sun has stated that Manchester United could make an approach for the Baggies shot-stopper, whilst West Ham have held an interest in Johnstone for quite a while now.

Speaking to the Express & Star about Johnstone’s recent performances, Steve Bruce said: “The supporters are right to voice their concerns.

“But Sam is a very good goalkeeper. He will be disappointed with the Huddersfield game.

“But these things happen, goalkeepers make mistakes and when they do they are usually punished.

“Thankfully, he doesn’t make too many of them. And he hasn’t made a mistake because he is out of contract.

“Everyone makes mistakes.

“Now it’s all about how he reacts from it. And I’m confident Sam will react in the right way.”

The former Newcastle United manager also addressed the 28-year-old’s contract situation at The Hawthorns: “The biggest disappointment for me is that he is out of contract.

“We’re probably going to lose our biggest asset on a Bosman, which is not great for anyone.

“However, that’s football these days, it’s something that has been going around for years.”

The verdict 

Johnstone has been extremely reliable for the Baggies for a number of years, proving to be a safe pair of hands in the second-tier and the Premier League. 

It does look increasingly likely that a new deal will not be agreed, and subsequently, a move to England’s highest tier is looking even more likely.

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