Roy Keane is the early favourite to take Championship job after 11 years away from management

Roy Keane is the early favourite to take the vacant West Brom manager's role following Monday's departure of Steve Bruce.

The Championship side have parted company with former Newcastle and Hull City boss Bruce, who picked up just eight wins from 32 games during an eight-month spell at the Hawthorns.

In a statement on their official website, the club wrote: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Steve Bruce and his coaching staff for their efforts since arriving in February."

Under-21s coach Richard Beale will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis in the near future, and will be assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh. 

The process of recruiting a new manager is now under way and rumours are already circulating as to who will take the job, with Sean Dyche, Chris Wilder and Scott Parker linked.

But the early favourite for the hot seat is former Sunderland boss Roy Keane, who has not managed a club since being sacked by Ipswich in 2011.

The 51-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa – as well as the Republic of Ireland national side – is the 7/2 favourite with Sky Bet to take the West Brom job.

Here's what the market looks like at the time of writing.

Back in April, Keane, who is one of the most popular pundits on the scene at present, admitted in an interview with LADbible that he felt his days in management were over.

"I almost feel like them days are over for me now," the former Manchester United midfielder said. "I don't think I can go back into management.

"I am 50 now, I am doing TV, I am almost a pundit now. I feel like I'm getting my head round it that (punditry) is the role for me because I don't think a club could give me a really good opportunity to get back into it.

"I'm not fearful if someone said you've got to do TV for the new few years, I am fine with that because I do count my blessings. As you know, there are a lot of ex-players looking to get back into it and I am alright with that.

"Micah [Richards], Gary [Neville], and you (Carragher) love the game don't we, we give our opinions and I'm not sure everyone agrees with them. We love the game and hopefully that comes across.

"I enjoy working with different people and it is just their opinion. Micah is a good personality and a decent guy. You just want to work with good people don't you?"

Thoughts on Keane being strongly linked with the West Brom job?

Let us know in the comments.