Unlike Newcastle United, Aston Villa have struggled in the Championship and Steve Bruce has now been sacked.
There are certainly comparisons that can be made between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Two colossal clubs with plenty of Premier League history and vociferous fan bases have found themselves playing Championship football in recent seasons, paying the price for decisions made by their owners.
But, while Newcastle stormed to the Championship title at the first attempt in 2017, Villa have really struggled since their relegation two years ago.
Villa finished in the bottom half in 2016/17 and then lost the play-off final to Fulham in May. Now, they have won just one game in their last ten in all competitions and are without a manager after the sacking of Steve Bruce.
Ray Houghton, who played for Villa between 1992 and 1995, has told the Daily Record that the man who replaces Bruce will have a huge job on their hands.
“Taking the Aston Villa job would be a bit like managing Newcastle when they were in the second tier – they’re the big hitters in the division,” Houghton said.
“Most people are looking at them to do well and if you do that then look what happened at Newcastle – you’ve got 54,000 fans coming to watch all the games, so that’s what is on offer.
“There’s no doubt Aston Villa are a huge club.”
Thierry Henry appears to be the current front-runner to take over the Midland side. The Telegraph reported that Villa have held talks with the 41-year-old Arsenal legend with former club captain John Terry, who retired on Sunday, lined up to be his assistant.
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