Boss finally ready to launch promotion challenge
STEVE Bruce is convinced Aston Villa can challenge for Championship promotion after finally exorcising their relegation demons.
Bruce admits the hangover from Villa’s demotion from the Premier League last summer has taken a while to subside.
But the manager believes the ins and outs he has made in his two transfer windows at the club have helped him change the mentality in the dressing room.
“It is a fantastic club and I’ve got the privilege now to manage it,” said Bruce.
“It’s been in a dark now for a while.
“So it’s up to us to take away the negativity if we can.
“Thankfully, we’ve got some young ones, some fresh blood coming in.
“We’ve virtually changed the whole thing in a matter of place two transfer windows. Then, of course, you need a little bit more time. “You just can’t wave a wand these days. “We’re on the right track, I’m convinced of that. Hopefully we can only get better.” Bruce reckons there was a culture of losing at Villa, carried over from their shocking 2015-16 season when they crashed out of the top flight.
“Mentally, you have to round the culture,” he said.
“It was ‘we’ll just get that’s OK’.
“I think we’re in a position where we can mount a challenge. How do you get Villa up?
“It’s the biggest and most exciting challenge I’ve had and arguably the biggest club I’ve ever had to manage.” change beat and