Bruce (left) and ex- Man Utd team-mate Robson

"It's disappointing that West Brom see fit to make a change after eight games - when they are only five points behind us in the table," said Bruce.

"It is very strange the game of football we have now.

"Twelve months ago, when Bryan kept Albion in the Premiership, he was the best manager in the world."

Bruce added: "He did an unbelievable job by turning it around and keeping them up.

"What's changed? I just believe that this happens too regularly in football nowadays and people lose sight of what's important.

"Bryan hasn't had the best of luck with injures. He has four or five of his big players missing and I feel desperately sorry for him."

Bruce has spoken to Robson and added: "It saddened me when I spoke to him on Monday morning. I spent Saturday evening with him and stayed up at his home.

"He is a friend and, no matter what trade of profession you're in, if you lose your job then it's always very sad and very difficult."

Robson's exit has been branded as mutual consent but appears more to be a decision taken by chairman Jeremy Peace.

Robson's biographer Derrek Allsop hinted as much when questioned as to whether it was a joint decision.

"I don't think so," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He was very surprised, shocked and dismayed when he was called in to be told he was on his way.

"I think everyone in the game knows that his relationship with the chairman was not very good and had deteriorated since last mid-season."