Aston Villa

Steve Bruce relishing Aston Villa Premier League return challenge

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 02 August 2018

Steve Bruce admits that he stayed put at Aston Villa despite financial troubles earlier this summer because of the challenge to get them "back to where they should be".

Steve Bruce has outlined his eagerness to continue his mission to get Aston Villa "back to where they should be" in the Premier League.

The Championship club have endured a tumultuous summer in which financial troubles lay ahead before new owners took over at Villa Park.

Bruce's own future was at stake but, following a meeting with majority shareholders Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the 57-year-old received assurances over his role as first-team manager.

"It's the challenge of getting Villa back to where they should be," Bruce told the Birmingham Mail when asked why he stayed put despite the financial issues. "I said on the first day of pre-season, let's give it another go. Now, with the new people on board, we can look forward.

"It's going to take time and for me, I honestly feel like I'm starting all over again. I mean that in a good way. The way we stand at the moment, there's still a bit of work to be done. But we've got a good squad with some decent young players, there's no disputing that.

"In a good way I feel like I'm at the beginning so let's try and build something special. The clear message from the new owners is that it won't happen overnight. Let's put a plan in place. There will be some tough times ahead but if we all stick to the same plan then these guys are very successful so they know what's required."

Bruce has been in charge of Villa since 2016, winning 42 of his 89 matches at the helm.