Former West Brom and Hull City star makes 'one of the best' claim about Steve Bruce

Robert Koren has hailed West Brom fans as 'brilliant' and believes Steve Bruce was one of the best managers he played under as he reflected on his time at The Hawthorns.

The 43-year-old was a player at West Brom from 2007 to 2010 after joining on a free transfer from Norweigan side Lillestrom. He was a success as he was a part of a side that bounced back from play-off heartache to win the Championship title in style under Tony Mowbray.

He appeared a total of 149 times in the Blue and White stripes of West Brom with 23 goals and 12 assists. Koren credited Mowbray for the role he played in his development but believed that Steve Bruce who managed him at Hull City, was one of his best managers.

“I had a really good time there,” said the 61-time Slovenian international to OLBG.

“The manager, Tony Mowbray, gave me the chance and we played some good football in the Championship and after in the Premier League. 

“The fans are brilliant and I still love to go back and watch some games and I had a really good time there.

“Tony Mowbray was a manager who wanted to play in a different style with a lot of possession and we had a really good team back then.

“I played under Steve Bruce as well, who was a different kind of manager and more demanding to be the best every day. At Hull he made the decision to be the captain of the team so we had a great relationship, he was one of the best managers I played under.”

Koren played with a variety of players during his time at the Hawthorns. English Football League legend Kevin Phillips helped him settle in whilst Paul Robinson most recently a coach at Birmingham City was hailed a 'really good player'. It was playing alongisde former Nottingham Forest man Jonathan Greening however that Koren reflected on with fond memories as the pair striked up a partnership in the centre of midfield.

“I played with some incredible players, especially at West Brom during my first year in England,” added Koren.

“A few players were outstanding and helped me a lot in the training and in the games. Kevin Phillips, brilliant striker, scoring goals for fun, great person as well.

We also had Jonathan Greening and Paul Robinson, both really good players. With Jono, we played together in midfield and I learned a lot from him as well. On the field and off the field. 

“Same with Kevin and Robbo. Like I said, they've been experienced players in our team and they've always been there for us if we need some advice or help.”