Bruce: I still think Villa need me in the hotseat
Steve Bruce hopes to get the chance to continue as Aston Villa boss but “wouldn’t be surprised” if the Sky Bet Championship club’s new owners want to bring in a new face.
Billionaire duo Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have arrived in Birmingham and have set up a meeting with Bruce, with the new season rapidly approaching.
Thierry Henry has been linked with the hotseat at Villa Park, but Bruce said: “I made myself clear two weeks ago when I said, ‘Look, whatever the state the club is in, I think it needs me’.
“The new owners might want to have their own man in. All the indications are that that’s not the case but until I get in front of them we won’t know.
“I don’t think it’s important now to talk about myself. The good thing is that we can move forward. I hope they give me the opportunity, I really do, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not going to be that way because we’ve seen it many times.
“This feels like I’m just starting again. We’ve lost something like seven or eight players who played in the play-off final so it feels like we’re starting over again.
“But we’ve still got some very good players at the club and I hope that I get given the chance - but that’s not my choice.”
England international Izzy Christiansen has left Manchester City to join European champions Lyon.
The 26-year-old midfielder enjoyed a successful four-year stint with City, winning the FA Women’s Super League, FA Women’s Cup and two Continental Cups. The move sees her link up with former teammate Lucy Bronze.