Steve Bruce confirmed as Aston Villa manager by new Chinese owner Tony Xia
Former Hull boss, who replaced Roberto Di Matteo, takes charge of his first game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday
Steve Bruce has been confirmed as the new manager at former European champions Aston Villa, new Chinese owner and club chairman Dr Tony Xia said.
Bruce, 55, replaces the sacked Roberto Di Matteo and his first game in charge will be Saturday’s Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“I believe Aston Villa will return to the Premier League soon ... at most within two years,” Xia said.
“In fact, [former manager] Roberto Di Matteo could also have been able to bring Villa back to the Premier League by the end of this season ... but we are under pressure now to achieve the goal as soon as possible.”
Villa spent £55 million (HK$523.7 million) in the summer, with Xia signing nine senior players.