Steve Bruce announced as new Aston Villa manager

Bruce had been linked with the vacancy for some time.

“The 55-year-old joins the club with an outstanding track record in gaining promotion to the Premier League having successfully done so on four occasions,” read a statement on the club’s website.

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

“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,” Bruce said of his appointment.

“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.”