TIME TO ROLL UP SLEEVES, URGES BRUCE
BELEAGUERED Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has admitted for the first time that his side are in a relegation scrap.
Villa travel to Newcastle tomorrow evening for a clash that many expected to be a title showdown between the two fallen giants.
But, while the Toon look set for an instant return to the Premier League, Bruce’s side have lost their last four matches and sit just seven points above the Championship drop zone.
As recently as November, Bruce said he wasn’t worried about relegation and again deflected questions following Tuesday’s calamitous 3-1 defeat at home to Barnsley. But. with just eight wins on the board all season – the same as Burton Albion – reality has finally dawned.
“I don’t fear that, but you can’t just dismiss it,” said the former Hull boss, who replaced Roberto Di Matteo in October.
“With the way we’re playing, you have to be worried. But what we must do is roll our sleeves up and get back that pride which has eroded over the last six weeks. If we don’t, we’re going to get swallowed into it and we can’t allow that to happen.
“We’ve been unfortunate the last couple of games. We’ve had something like 50 attempts against two teams and only managed to score one goal. All we need is one to go in and things can turn.
“I remember when I walked through the door and we sneaked a result at Reading. It lifted everyone overnight. It’s amazing what a bit of confidence can do. Right now, though, we just have to see it through.”
Bruce is looking forward to welcoming back midfield enforcer Mile Jedinak, who will likely be deployed to shackle Jonjo Shelvey after missing the last five games through injury.