Bruce has enjoyed a winning start to his Aston Villa reign.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has warned Steve Bruce that the least Aston Villa fans will expect is promotion this season.
Bruce took charge at Villa Park earlier this month, replacing Roberto di Matteo following his sacking.
Since then he has managed one draw and two wins in his three games in charge, one of which was their first away win since August last year.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
It has sparked hopes that the Villans could go on a run of form and challenge for a promotion spot this year.
And Rowett has warned that is the least the Villa faithful will expect after the money the club spent in the summer transfer window.
“If I was the person signing the cheques, I’d be a little bit disappointed if I didn’t have a squad that could get them up,” he told the Daily Mail.
“You’d hope so with the amount of money spent. The balance then is to try and find the best team, not the best individuals, to get up, which I’m sure Steve will try to do.”
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
If a promotion place is the minimum aim for Villa this season it is going to take some effort from Bruce to get his team there.
They are currently 17th in the table after 14 games with 17 points to their name. that tally sees them six points outside the top six, with Bristol City in 6th on 20 points.
That gap is a big one to overcome even at this early stage and they will need an impressive run of form if Bruce is to get them into those top six places.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce gestures to their fans
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
