Aston Villa appoint Steve Bruce new manager

Steve Bruce has been appointed as the new manager of Championship outfit Aston Villa. 

The 55-year-old succeeds Roberto Di Matteo in the role at Villa Park - but the club have not announced the length of his contract. 

Bruce takes over a squad which has endured a meek start to life in the second tier after relegation from the Premier League last season. 

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Bruce said in a statement on the club's official website: 

'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. 

"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."