I also supported Val to start off with and thought our main problem was Lai. And maybe it is still Lai. But over the past 3-4 months our performances and results have been dire. Our style of play has been Sunday morning “kick and rush” tactics and fact is teams have seen through us. It started at Stoke and spiralled after that. But Val couldn’t see it ... or was so stubborn he didn’t want to see it. Falling out publicly with senior pros, never changing his tactics, not listening to valid criticism from the fans. It’s now very clear he was the wrong choice for the Albion at the outset .... and this was compounded by the clowns in charge paying £2m to buy him out followed by a 4 year contract. Absolute stupidity.

Bruce always comes across as a decent bloke on TV. Thought he handled his exit from Newcastle well. Many of his problems at Newcastle where in dealing with Ashley. I actually feel quietly confident he will quickly get to grips with the mess we are in and sort us out. The players must be breathing a huge sigh of relief .... although Mowatt and Dike might not. We haven’t got the greatest squad ... but they are capable of doing better in a poor Championship. Don’t think we will make the automatics but the ply-offs is surely possible.

It’s also good news we have hit shot of Ken and Li Piyue .... having a football man in Gourlay as CEO must be a good move. We just need someone to replace Ashworth now on transfers ...