Aston Villa have officially appointed Steve Bruce as new manager, formally succeeding Roberto Di Matteo after the club parted ways with the Italian last week after just four months in charge.
Breaking news: We are delighted to announce Steve Bruce as our new manager. #AVFC #WelcomeSteve pic.twitter.com/QlKNozk7KX
Formerly of fierce cross-town rivals Birmingham City, Bruce has been out of work since leaving Hull in the summer, thought to be the result of frustration in the transfer market and an uncertain future regarding the club's ownership.
He was interviewed by the FA for the England manager's job in July but was overlooked in favour of successful candidate Sam Allardyce.
Bruce becomes the seventh manager, including two caretakers, to have taken charge of Villa since the start of the 2014/15 season and the club will be desperate for a greater level of stability after a tumultuous few years.
The 55-year-old arrives with Villa sitting 19th in the Championship table and without a win since the second game of the season when Rotherham were put to the sword.
He is tasked with steadying the ship and ensuring that the club's stay in the second tier is as brief as possible. Prior experience of promotion to the Premier League with Birmingham and Hull twice each should stand him in good stead.
To continue the discussion on Twitter follow @jamiespencer155