Aston Villa are set to meet Birmingham City in the Midlands derby next weekend.
Steve Bruce has joked on Aston Villa’s official website that he is expecting to be welcomed with open arms by the Birmingham City fans when he returns to St. Andrews at the weekend.
Bruce managed Birmingham for six years between 2001 and 2007, and he also represented them during his playing days.
The 55-year-old boss will now be looking to stop the Blues, however, by leading Villa to victory in the Midlands derby.
And Bruce appears to be expecting a hostile reception, when he visits St. Andrews on Sunday.
“We have a nice little game next week, don’t we… It should be a nice quiet affair,” he quipped.
“I am sure I will be welcomed with open arms!
“It’s been a good week and we will look forward to the big match next weekend.
“There’s all the hype that surrounds it – great game, great occasion – and let’s look forward to the challenge.”
Bruce has made a positive start to life at Villa, after guiding them to back-to-back victories.
Villa finally won away for the first time in 14 months against Reading in midweek, and they beat Fulham 1-0 in their most recent outing.
Birmingham, on the other hand, head into the derby match on the back of a 2-0 loss against Burton Albion.
As things stand the Blues sit in seventh place in the Championship table, while Villa are in 16th spot.
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