West Brom manager Steve Bruce gives players huge ultimatum ahead of next season

The gaffer has started laying down the foundations early ahead of next season.
Ben Ramsdale
By Ben Ramsdale
Published 14th Apr 2022, 12:24 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Steve Bruce the head coach / manager of West Bromwich Albion (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Steve Bruce the head coach / manager of West Bromwich Albion (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Steve Bruce the head coach / manager of West Bromwich Albion (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has told his players that they either move locally to West Bromwich and the training facilities ahead of next season or go elsewhere.

Put bluntly, it was a straight up and well needed message delivered by the boss who has sat down with the squad and essentially said, if you don’t like it - ‘on yer’ bike.’

Goalkeeper joined to Spurs youth academy, but didn't play during his four years there. Joined Luton on loan in 2009, on the bench for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final win over Scunthorpe, as he didn’t feature for the Hatters either.Goalkeeper joined to Spurs youth academy, but didn't play during his four years there. Joined Luton on loan in 2009, on the bench for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final win over Scunthorpe, as he didn’t feature for the Hatters either.
Goalkeeper joined to Spurs youth academy, but didn't play during his four years there. Joined Luton on loan in 2009, on the bench for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final win over Scunthorpe, as he didn’t feature for the Hatters either.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former Newcastle United Head Coach said that ‘eight or nine’ of the current group live more than an hour away from the ground with back-up goalkeeper David Button’s home being all the way down in Brighton!

Bruce wants to start having contract talks with some players nice and early ahead of this summer but he has laid the message out clear, those talks will not happen if you do not abide by his rules and standards - this one in particular.

With Sam Johnstone all but confirmed as being out the door already ahead of next season, the aforementioned Button will start against Blackpool and beyond.

The back-up shot-stopper however is another name that is out of contract this summer and Bruce added that talks will not start with him in regards to staying at the Hawthorns if he is not willing to relocate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He won’t live in Brighton anymore if he wants new talks,” explained the manager.

“It’s something we have to address.

“I don’t think travelling more than an hour can be good for you.

“We have got eight or nine who travel and I don’t think that’s healthy so we’ll try and address it.

“If they have to find an apartment locally and have two homes so be it. They get paid enough.”

A message from the editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.

Related topics:Steve BruceWest BromBrightonNewcastle United

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.