Tony Xia and Keith Wyness explain Aston Villa’s appointment of Steve Bruce

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Bruce has been confirmed as Villa’s fourth manager in the last 12 months.

Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager, and owner Tony Xia and CEO Keith Wyness have explained why they chose him as the man to lead the club forward, as quoted by the club’s official website.

Bruce has become Villa’s fourth full-time manager in the last 12 months as the club desperately seek stability following arguably the most disastrous season in their history.

The 55-year-old left Hull City following their promotion and has chosen to remain in the Championship by joining the ailing Birmingham club.

Bruce undoubtedly has proven Championship pedigree, having won promotion in each of his last four seasons in the second tier.

Following the confirmation of his appointment, Villa owner Xia stressed that he believes the club have attracted a superb Championship manager.

Xia told the club’s website: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve to the football Club. With his track record, not only at leading teams to promotion from the Championship but also vast experience in the Premier League, I believe we have secured the services of an excellent manager.

“I have had good conversations with Steve and we look forward to working with him.”

Villa CEO Keith Wyness then went on to add more detail, explaining that Bruce’s mixture of character and experience at Championship level were key to his appointment.

Wyness said: “In the recent transfer window we focused on character, personality and experience.

“These three words can be applied in spades to Steve Bruce and I look forward to working closely with him as we turn the club around and get us back to where we all want to be.”

Villa fans could be forgiven for finding it harder than it should be to swallow those words, given that this is Villa’s fourth managerial appointment in the last 21 months.

However, at first sight Bruce appears to be perhaps a more solid appointment than Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde, or Roberto di Matteo before him.

Only time will tell, ultimately, but Bruce will be desperate to get off to a flying start as Villa host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.