Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder believes Steve Bruce could secure a Premier League return this season. One year ago, the former Newcastle United manager was preparing for a season opener at St James’ Park against West Ham.
That game ended in a 4-2 defeat - the start of a disastrous eight-game winless run that saw Bruce sacked by the new Saudi-backed regime. Afterwards, the 61-year-old admitted he was considering retirement but returned to the dugout four months later to take charge of West Bromwich Albion.
Wilder went head-to-head with Bruce in their Championship opener this weekend, with both clubs looking to mount a promotion charge. The latter boasts the record of securing more second-tier promotions than any other manager - a record his counterpart thinks he deserves more credit for.
