Tom Rogic this morning discovered that Steve Bruce, the manager who signed him for West Brom a month ago has been sacked. West Brom released a short statement on the club’s official website announcing the manager’s departure that reads:
“West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with Manager Steve Bruce. Backroom staff Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Alex Bruce have also left The Hawthorns.
The club would like to place on record its thanks to Steve Bruce and his coaching staff for their efforts since arriving in February.
Under-21s coach Richard Beale will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh.
The process of recruiting a new Manager is now under way and an appointment will be confirmed in due course.”
While a change of manager is always unsettling for players, especially one signed by the previous manager before he was sacked, in Tom Rogic’s case you would imagine that the next West Brom boss will be happy that Steve Bruce has recruited such a talented player.
Having not played a match since that emotional Trophy Day at Celtic Park back in May when Rogic brought the curtain down on a decade of success in a Celtic jersey and was given a brilliant send-off from an appreciative Celtic support, Rogic started last weekend in the home defeat to Swansea. That was followed by a 1-0 defeat in midweek at Preston North End and a goalless draw at the Hawthorns against Luton Town. Rogic played against Preston but was an unused sub in the game against Luton Town.
These looked like three winnable games for West Brom so one point from nine is probably the reason that the West Brom board called time on Steve Bruce’s time in their dug-out.
Rogic needs to get up to speed quickly if he is to make the Socceroos squad for the World Cup next month.
Few players find the grass greener after leaving Celtic and while our Wizard of Oz will always have a special place in the hearts of Celtic supporters you might think that he’s not exactly put himself into a better posiiton seeking new experiences in the game. The best of luck to the big guy and hopefully the new West Brom gaffer will build his team around the best football player at his club.
