West Bromwich Albion have announced that Steve Bruce has agreed to become the club's new manager on an 18-month contract.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Baggies revealed that they had parted company with Valerien Ismael, who had won just 12 of his 31 games in charge after being handed a four-year contract.

However, West Brom have moved swiftly to bring in Bruce as his replacement, the 61-year-old taking on his first role since departing Newcastle United earlier this season.

Speaking to the club's official website: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage a club that has such great history and tradition. It is a club I obviously know well from my time in the Midlands, and I am already relishing the challenge of taking it forward.

"I did not envisage I would return to management this quickly, but once I got the phone call from Ron [Gourlay], I knew I could not resist the challenge of getting this club back to where they want to be.

"I am coming in with one aim and that is to get Albion to the Premier League."

West Brom, who sit in sixth position in the Championship standings, are next in action when they face Sheffield United on February 9.