“I’d like to say…” – Steve Bruce addresses West Brom supporters after Watford clash | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Bruce has thanked The Hawthorns crowd for getting behind his team in the 1-1 draw against Watford last night.

The two Championship clubs maintained their unbeaten starts to the 2022/23 campaign but the Baggies can feel unfortunate not to have come away with their first win of the season.

Albion were on top for long periods but were unable to land the killer blow after Karlan Grant had cancelled out Ismaila Sarr’s stunning lob from inside his own half.

Bruce’s side rode their luck at times as well, with Sarr missing a second-half penalty, but ultimately it was the hosts that were pushing for the victory as time ran out at The Hawthorns.

The West Brom boss did not hold back his praise for his players after the game or, indeed, the home support.

Speaking to club media, he said: “We’ve still got bits to work on but tonight I’m very pleased with the performance.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the supporters who really got behind the team. I think they’ve really enjoyed watching their side tonight.

“I was pleased with the way the crowd responded to the players and the way the players responded to the crowd.

“We need to create an atmosphere where the supporters are proud of their team. We have to be at the top end of the league and we have to make them enjoy games. I think they’re proud of their team tonight.”

Quiz: Can you name which club West Brom signed these 25 English players from?

1 of 25

Who did West Brom sign Matt Clarke on loan from?

Brighton & Hove Albion Southampton Leeds United Burnley

The Verdict

Bruce has come in for a fair bit of criticism during his Albion tenure so far and you can understand supporters’ frustration as he wasn’t the most ambitious of appointments but yesterday’s game was a really encouraging one.

Watford’s squad is still packed with Premier League quality but it was the Baggies that were playing most of the football.

If they can continue to play that sort of level, they should be challenging in the Championship this term.

The manager is clearly hoping to build a stronger relationship with the fanbase and he’s right to praise them because the atmosphere at The Hawthorns was exactly what you want from a home game against a promotion rival.