Following the news that West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Steve Bruce, reliable journalist Scott Wilson has namechecked former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder as a potential successor to the 61-year-old.

The Lowdown: Bruce’s West Brom tenure

After a disappointing eight-month tenure with the Baggies, the former Newcastle United manager was relieved of his duties following an eight-match winless run which left them sitting inside the relegation zone. Backroom staff Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and the manager's son Alex Bruce have also left The Hawthorns.

Having been in charge of 32 games spanning across two seasons, Bruce’s West Brom side averaged just 1.13 points per match, with the club falling from sixth to tenth in the Championship table between the day of his appointment and the end of the campaign.

Under-21s coach Richard Beale has been appointed interim boss and will be assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh for next Saturday’s Championship clash against Reading.

The Latest: Wilson names possible successor

Wilson has now weighed in on the 61-year-old’s sacking, name-checking one potential successor whilst doing so.

Taking to Twitter, The Northern Echo journalist claimed: “Hardly a surprise to see former #NUFC and #SAFC boss Steve Bruce lose his job at West Brom - and wouldn't be a shock to see ex-#Boro manager Chris Wilder replace him at the Hawthorns either...”

The Verdict: Good candidate?

After 11 months in charge at Middlesbrough, Wilder was relieved of his duties as manager last week, having won just two of their first 11 league matches this term. However, despite Boro getting off to a disappointing start in the Championship, the 55-year-old has a strong pedigree of promotion in recent years.

Prior to replacing Neil Warnock at the Riverside Stadium, Wilder became manager of Sheffield United in May 2016 and led the Blades to the Premier League in his third season in charge after overseeing two promotions.

Former England manager Steve McClaren hailed that achievement as ‘phenomenal’, and the Yorkshire club finished an impressive ninth in their first campaign back in the top flight in 2019/20.

Having subsequently taken over at 'Boro in November last year, the former Northampton boss led the Teeside outfit to a seventh-place finish in the Championship.

Therefore, whilst results over the last few months haven't gone his way, Wilder's achievements suggest that he could revive West Brom's fortunes if reports of him being an early favourite for the job at The Hawthorns turn into an eventual appointment as Bruce's successor.