Steve Bruce is back in football for the first time since his sacking as Newcastle United manager in October.
Bruce has signed an 18-month deal to take over as West Brom boss, after they sacked Valérien Ismaël earlier this week.
The Baggies currently sit sixth in the Championship as they look for an instant return to the Premier League after last season’s relegation.
Bruce will find a familiar face in the ranks at the Hawthorns in the shape of Andy Carroll, who joined the club during the January transfer window.
West Brom moved early in the window to sign Daryl Dike but then had to dip into the market again to sign Carroll when he got injured.
Both strikers fitted into the profile Ismaël wanted in order to utilise his direct, physical style of play but now there has been a change in the dugout.
That swift change of style may leave a few of Bruce’s new players concerned about how they stand, and none moreso than Carroll.
Bruce brought him to St James’ Park but gave him just six starts last season before he left to join Reading.
That means their reunion could get awkward. Carroll has just proved his form and fitness, earning a move from the lower reaches of the Championship to the top six.
But now he comes face to face with Bruce again, who did not give him as many opportunities last season as he might have liked.
Newcastle fans will likely be watching Bruce’s reign with interest anyway and Carroll’s presence in the West Midlands adds another dimension.
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