Journalist Chris Lepkowksi has described parts of West Brom's current squad as 'rancid' and 'horrible', highlighting 'the one thing' under-fire manager Steve Bruce has got right.

The Lowdown: Baggies lose yet again

The Baggies' appalling start to their Championship season continued on Wednesday night, falling to a limp 1-0 defeat away to Preston.

The loss has put even more pressure on Bruce, who is receiving plenty of anger from West Brom supporters, as his side now sit inside the relegation zone with just one win in 12 games.

The 61-year-old is still just about clinging onto his job but it appears as though the problems plaguing his reign may be around for a long time yet.

The Latest: Lepkowski lays into squad

Taking to Twitter, Lepkowski ripped into some poisonous aspects within the squad, highlighting the need for Bruce - or indeed a new manager - to shift some deadwood:

"And BTW, the one thing Bruce got spot on was the need for 2 or 3 transfer windows. He's had one. There is still a rancid, horrible bunch in that dressing room. They've stunk the place out for too long. And will do for another year or two. Sad."

The Verdict: Must-win this weekend

There is some truth to Lepkowski's comments, in fairness, with the manager always the figure who deserves the most blame but the players also far from perfect.

They are not pulling their weight at all at the moment, considering they are arguably a promotion-chasing group of players, and their attitude has to change at home to Luton Town on Saturday.

Failure to win will surely see Bruce sacked as manager, and while he hasn't done a good enough job, many individuals also need to take a look at themselves.