“I’VE BEEN USED TO BEING CALLED POTATO HEAD BY THEM FOR 20 YEARS” – STEVE BRUCE
On paper, Steve Bruce doesn’t sound like the ideal choice to be Aston Villa boss – an ex-Blues boss, who’s a Newcastle fan. Yet, for Villa’s current predicament, he was probably the best available man for the job. After all, you only have to look at the England national team situation to realise there isn’t a great number of decent managers in circulation these days.
Bruce certainly has the credentials for the short-term goal of promotion (which is still obtainable this season in MOMS’s book), although there are question marks when it comes to the long-term. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it though, as Villa have perhaps not been focused enough on the here and now, so far this season.
Here are the highlights of what he said when Bruce met the press for the first time as Villa boss:
Winning over Villa Supporters
“I’ve been used to being called Potato Head by them for 20 years and Fathead at Liverpool or whatever.
I always took it as a bit of a compliment. If they’re against you then they usually quite like you.
All I’ll ask is for them all to get behind the team and get behind the club again. They’re a fantastically loyal support and I’ll try my utmost to make sure we get back to where we want to get to.”
Sorting Out the Mess
“I think that’s why I’m sitting here – I’ve got to go and produce a few wins. I understand that.
There’s been a big change in the club in terms of player personnel. Ten players have left and nine have come in so they haven’t hit the ground running as well as they’d have liked to.
I think they’ve been unfortunate in a few games, had leads in a lot of them and conceded late on. They have been close in several games this term.
So hopefully we can change that mentality, we’ve got to start winning a few football games and I’m sure we’re capable of it.”
Promotion Possibilities
“When you look at the squad we have, we are capable of mounting a challenge. That can be this season, too.
But the quality is there. I am convinced. It’s up to me to get out there and bring the best out of them – and give them a hand.
When I went to Birmingham, we were 15th at Christmas. We went on a run that got us promoted. I hope I can bring that success here and now.”
Home Boy
“I have lived in the area for 15 years. I have enjoyed the area so much that I have made it my home down here.
I know the rivalry with Birmingham City. We all know it. We have all been here long enough.
It was a long time ago that I was there. I hope I can bring success here to Aston Villa.
We need it – we need to get back in the big league.
When I got the call we didn’t even discuss what went on in the past. It was about what we can do now and in the future.”
The Latest MOMS Podcast on Bruce and those that failed
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give him credit every team he gets promoted from the Championship never had big money to keep them there he will have the money if we get promoted . might see a class manager if he does .
should of got him as first choice manager at the beginning of the season
Considering recent banter between Villa & Toon perhaps one of his most significant comments is that Villa are one of the biggest clubs in the country and that from a Toon fan !