STEVE BRUCE is an early contender to take over at West Brom after the sacking of Valerien Ismael.
Fifth in the Championship and with three wins from 14 games, the former Barnsley boss has been dismissed seven months into his four-year contract.
The panicking Baggies’ board, desperate to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, will spend the next few days looking at an experienced replacement.
And they could turn to Bruce who was sacked by Newcastle in October.
The 61-year-old, who is keen to get back into the game, has already managed Birmingham and Aston Villa.
Other names in the frame will include Neil Warnock who is also keen to return to work despite being aged 73.
The final nail in the coffin for Ismael, 46, was a 2-0 defeat at Millwall on Saturday.
In a statement, the club said: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club can confirm Valerien Ismaël has today left his position as head coach.
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“Assistant head coach Adam Murray has also departed The Hawthorns. 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.”
West Brom, who paid money to take the French boss out of Barnsley last summer, have just signed Andy Carroll on a free transfer
They also shelled out £7million to Orlando City to bring in forward Daryl Dyke at the start of the window.
The board have time to make an appointment as West Brom’s next game is not until next Wednesday when they visit Sheffield United.
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