Bruce: I’ll do my stuff to restore Villa pride
STEVE BRUCE was yesterday confirmed as Aston Villa’s new manager, succeeding Roberto Di Matteo at the troubled Championship club. The 55-year-old, who spent six years in charge of Villa’s fierce rivals Birmingham City, takes over a squad languishing 19th in the table after their relegation from the Premier League. Bruce said in a statement: ‘It’s a wonderful opportunity at one of the big clubs of this country. ‘I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be — and trying to turn around the misfortune we have had over the past few years. I hope I can do my stuff.’ Owner Dr Tony Xia added: ‘With Steve’s track record, not only at leading teams to promotion but also vast experience in the Premier League, I believe we have secured the services of an excellent manager.’ Villa chief executive Keith Wyness dismissed concerns that Bruce would not be accepted by supporters because of his Birmingham links. He told Sky: ‘We all recognised that’s well in the past. We had a brief talk about it, but it wasn’t a serious conversation. Now with him and Steve Round, we have a very strong team to take us forward.’ Bruce’s record of four promotions from the Championship was a major factor in Villa hiring him. He saw off 25 candidates for the position, with the interview process taking a week to complete. Di Matteo was sacked after winning just 10 points from 11 matches. He had been in charge for 123 days. Bruce left Hull City in the summer despite taking the Tigers to the top flight via the play-offs. He becomes Villa’s seventh manager in 18 months and is expected to take charge for the home clash with Wolves this Saturday evening.