STEVE BRUCE is the early favourite for the West Brom job following the departure of Valerien Ismael.
That’s according to Ladbrokes, who’ve installed the veteran boss at 11/10 for the vacant position at The Hawthorns.
Ismael arrived at West Brom from Barnsley in June following Albion’s relegation from the Premier League with automatic promotion his ultimate target.
However, the Baggies are currently anchored in fifth position, 13 points behind leaders Fulham and eight off second-placed Blackburn.
Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Millwall was their fourth defeat in six league matches, and Ismael leaves having won just 12 of his 31 matches in charge.
The club issued a statement saying: “Valerien Ismael has left his position as head coach.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Valerien and Adam for their efforts and wishes them well in the future.
“The process of recruiting a new head coach is now under way and an appointment will be announced in due course.”
Owner Guochuan Lai is now looking to recruit his eighth head coach since since buying the club in July 2016.
Ladbrokes odds
Bookmakers Ladbrokes believe Bruce is the frontrunner at 11/10 to resume his career in management, which started in 1998.
The 61-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship and remains a free agent having left Newcastle by mutual consent in October following the club’s Saudi takeover.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Steve Bruce is no stranger to a Midlands club, and with the baggies slowly sliding down the Championship table, the odds suggest the former Villa and Blues boss could be a safe pair of hands for the foreseeable.”
John Terry is second-favourite at 7/1 as the Chelsea legend looks to take his first steps into senior management.
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton is next at 10/1 but could prove a more expensive option given he signed a new four-year deal in February.
Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane — who have also been tipped for the vacant position at Sunderland — are next at 16/1 with Neil Warnock the outsider of the bunch at 25s.
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