West Brom fans sent key message by legend after Steve Bruce arrives

Tony Bomber Brown wants West Bromwich Albion’s fanbase to offer their full support to new boss Steve Bruce as he seeks to guide the current squad out of their recent rut of form and back into automatic promotion contention.

Bruce has taken over on an 18-month contract after Valerien Ismael left in a haze of toxicity earlier this week, just seven months into a four-year contract.

There remain 17 matches left of the Championship season, and Albion - for all of their poor form - remain in the top six (even if only just), so Bruce has plenty to work with and is hoping to hit the ground running at one of his former haunts, Sheffield United, next Wednesday.

Albion legend Bomber, who works these days as a Baggies pundit and co-commentator for BBC WM, has urged all Albion fans - irrespective of their views on the appointment of Bruce - to get behind the new man in the hope that such vociferous backing can help the players’ cause on the field.

“I don’t think anybody expected an appointment this quickly, but now he’s sorted things out and he can prepare for the game coming up shortly,” Bomber told BBC WM.

“Hopefully, after getting to know the players and the staff in the next few days, he can get the club re-galvanised, and get some spirit and the players behind him.

“He needs a good run until the end of the season, that’s what he’s got to do. He’s got a good track record of getting promoted from this league. What has to happen now that he has been appointed is the whole club and all the supporters have to get behind him.

“Let’s have one terrific push until the end of the season. There are a lot of games to play and points to play for, so if he can get the dressing room bubbling again - they’ve proven they can win matches at