West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce still has people ‘backing him’ despite calls for the sack, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Bruce under pressure

The Baggies have made a disappointing start to the new Championship season having taken just ten points from 33, and now find themselves just one place above the relegation zone heading into the game against Preston North End.

As a result, the 61-year-old has come under increased pressure, with rumours circulating that he could be relieved of his duties at the Hawthorns should results not improve imminently.

The Latest: Nixon’s verdict

Asked during a Twitter Q&A whether he thought Bruce’s time in charge would come to an end should West Brom lose to the Lilywhites, Nixon responded:

“He’s made it through to another game … clearly has people still backing him …”

The Verdict: Right time to go

Bruce has undoubtedly been a top manager throughout his career, but surely now is the right time for the hierarchy to make a change before it’s too late.

The Corbridge-born coach has only won eight of his 30 matches in charge in the Midlands, having secured just one win in the last ten (Transfermarkt), which is a pretty worrying statistic to say the least.

West Brom are already being dragged into a relegation battle, so if the club want to turn things around and start battling it out at the opposite end of the table, they need to act fast before the season becomes no longer salvageable.