Even Aston Villa supporters may struggle to agree with QPR manager Ian Holloway’s comments about Steve Bruce.
Aston Villa may have won four in a row, six of their last seven, but few would suggest that Steve Bruce has proven himself worthy of a place among the Pep Guardiolas and Antonio Contes of the world game.
Yet, QPR boss Ian Holloway is in no doubt that the genial Villa boss, who is steadying the previously sinking ship, deserves more credit for his achievements, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
After all, few managers in the second tier can boast a pedigree like Bruce. He lead Birmingham and Hull City to promotion on two occasions each and, following a narrow 1-0 win against QPR on Tuesday night, his current club are on course for a top half Championship finish.
And, considering their horrific run of nine games without a win between December and February, that is an achievement in itself.
“For me he’s a world class manager. People might laugh at that but you don’t get four promotions at this level,” Holloway said in quotes reported by the Birmingham Mail. “You don’t keep teams there if you’re not as good as he is. I’m delighted you’ve got him.
“I actually wanted him for England when he was out of work but that’s not against whoever had it. I think you’ve got a quality manager and I think you’ll see that. You’re on your way back.”
With Alan Shearer infamously refusing to extend the ‘world class’ label even to Alexis Sanchez, many will suggest that Holloway is using the phrase rather loosely.
Yet, although Villa appear to have left it too late to legitimately harbour hopes of a play-off push, sitting nine points adrift of sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday, fans can at least take confidence from a terrific run of results which bodes well for Bruce’s first full season in charge in 2017/18.
His experience and pulling power could make the difference at Championship level once again.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
