Steve Bruce has been appointed as the new manager of Aston Villa

Former Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce has been confirmed as the new manager of Aston Villa.

Bruce, who has been out of work since leaving Hull City in the summer, succeeds Roberto Di Matteo at Villa Park.

Villa are currently 19th in Sky Bet Championship and host Wolves on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, in Bruce's first match in charge.

"It's a wonderful opportunity. It is one of the big clubs of this country. To be given the opportunity to manage it is terrific," Bruce told the club's official website.

"I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be - and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance. I hope I can do my stuff."

Highlights of Aston Villa's 2-0 defeat at Preston in the Sky Bet Championship on October 1 - Roberto Di Matteo's last game in charge Highlights of Aston Villa's 2-0 defeat at Preston in the Sky Bet Championship on October 1 - Roberto Di Matteo's last game in charge

Villa owner Dr Tony Xia added: "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."

Bruce has previously won promotion to the Premier League on four occasions and was interviewed for the England manager's job prior to the appointment of Sam Allardyce in July.

Villa, who face arch-rivals Birmingham on October 30, won only one match during the short reign of Di Matteo and currently sit just two points above the relegation zone.

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