Steve Bruce poised to become Aston Villa manager
Steve Bruce is set to become Aston Villa's next manager, with official confirmation expected on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old will be unveiled as Roberto Di Matteo's successor after being identified by Villa's board as the right candidate to take the club back to the Premier League.
Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia tweeted that an announcement would be made on Wednesday confirming the appointment of a new manager.
A deal had been all but agreed by Tuesday night and, barring any unexpected late twist, Bruce will be in the dugout for Saturday's derby against Wolves.
Villa considered a number of candidates for the role, including caretaker boss Steve Clarke, who was formally interviewed by chief executive Keith Wyness on Monday.
Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner and Burnley's Sean Dyche are also thought to have been sounded out but both indicated they would not be prepared to leave their current clubs.
Wyness and Steve Round, Villa's technical director, recommended Bruce to owner Tony Xia. The Beijing businessman then tweeted on Tuesday night: "Scheduled to announce the new manager tomorrow! Time for all to stand together and back the team! Believe we've made the best try! #UTV"
Bruce has been favourite for the job ever since Di Matteo was dismissed last Monday with the club 19th in the Championship and held talks with Wyness on three different occasions over the latter part of last week.
With four promotions from the Championship already on his CV, the former Birmingham City boss's appeal is obvious and past associations with the Blues were not considered an obstacle.
Current Middlesbrough assistant Steve Agnew has been mooted as a possible No.2 while Stephen Clemence, Hull City's current first-team coach, is also under consideration.
Dyche is understood to have been of particular interest to Villa's hierarchy and there was even speculation he might emerge as a late contender on Tuesday afternoon, when his odds of moving from Turf Moor fell dramatically with several bookmakers.
But sources at Burnley last night confirmed there had been no formal approach from Villa, with Dyche thought to be unwilling to drop down into the Championship.
