Steve Bruce appointed to Villa hot seat

ASTON Villa has confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as the football club’s new manager.

Fans expecting an announcement from Villa Park were made to wait until 6.30pm before the official word came through.

The 55-year-old becomes the club’s sixth manager in the space of a year – including caretaker appointments.

However, fans have cause to be more optimistic this time as the former Manchester United captain has one of the best track records in the game, having secured promotion from the Championship to the Premier League on no fewer than four occasions.

He brings a wealth of experience with him with previous spells in charge of Hull City, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and two stints at Wigan Athletic.

However, it will be his stint in charge at rival Birmingham City for which may fans in the city will know him.

Speaking on his appointment, he said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity. It is one of the big clubs of this country. To be given the opportunity to manage it is terrific.

“I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be – and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years. I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance. I hope I can do my stuff.”

Owner Dr Tony Xia, who brought the axe down on former manager Roberto di Matteo after just 12 games, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve to the football club. With his track record, not only at leading teams to promotion from the Championship but also vast experience in the Premier League, I believe we have secured the services of an excellent manager.

“I have had good conversations with Steve and we look forward to working with him.”

Villa chief executive Keith Wyness added: “In the recent transfer window we focused on character, personality and experience. These three words can be applied in spades to Steve Bruce and I look forward to working closely with him as we turn the club around and get us back to where we all want to be.”

Bruce will have little chance to bed himself in. He takes charge of a club languishing in the bottom half of the Championship, with just one win all season.

His first game will be a fiercely contested local derby against Wolves on Saturday.