10 images of Steve Bruce competing against Aston Villa

Bruce is currently the leading candidate to take charge at Aston Villa.

Hull manager Steve Bruce before the match

If reports are to be believed, former Hull City manager Steve Bruce is in line to take charge at Aston Villa.

The Villans are without a manager at this moment in time after Roberto di Matteo was sacked last week.

The Italian departed the club after just 12 games in charge, during which he managed just one win to leave the club sitting two points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

The Daily Mail reports that Bruce is being targeted by Villa chairman Tony Xia because of his track record of getting clubs promoted from the second tier.

The former Manchester United captain has done it on four separate occasions, twice with Hull and twice with rivals Birmingham City.

Bruce has had a long managerial career to date, managing eight clubs since taking charge of Sheffield United in 1998.

That has seen him come up against Villa on 23 separate occasions. His record against them sits on eight win, six draws and nine defeats.

So, with that in mind, here are 10 images of Steve Bruce competing against his potential new club.

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Birmingham manager Steve Bruce urges his side on against Aston Villa

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce looking dejected as Aston Villa fans celebrate in the stands

Wigan Athletic's Wilson Palacios in action against Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov (L) with Martin O'Neill (2nd L) - Aston Villa Manager and Steve Bruce (R) - Wigan Athletic Manager Wigan Athletic’s Wilson Palacios in action against Aston Villa’s Stiliyan Petrov (L) with Martin O’Neill (2nd L) – Aston Villa Manager and Steve Bruce (R) – Wigan Athletic Manager

Wigan Athletic Manager and Assistant Manager Eric Black watch on as they take on Aston Villa

Martin O'Neill (R) - Aston Villa Manager and Steve Bruce - Wigan Athletic Manager Martin O’Neill (R) – Aston Villa Manager and Steve Bruce – Wigan Athletic Manager