Steve Bruce on Aston Villa: I’m just glad not to be at England

Steve Bruce has spoken of his feelings at having taken over at beleaguered Championship club Aston Villa.

“It’s a difficult job, if I’m honest,” he said.

“We’re two points above the relegation zone, I don’t really see any way back up to the Premiership this season, or even next, and the fans are going to despise me because of my Birmingham City connections.

“But really, no matter how bad it seems, it’s just a relief not to be the England manager.”

Bruce has twice in recent months been named as one of the favourites to take over the national team.

“It’s been a difficult time for me and my family, if I’m honest. I mean, the England job? No one wants to be associated with that.”

He also spoke of his plans for Villa.

“Just to hang on until after they’ve replaced Gareth is the main plan. I mean, he’s got, what, four games in charge, he’s had two so the next ones must be middle of November.

“He’ll get the boot for either playing Rooney or not playing Rooney, so I’ve just got to make sure I’m still at Villa for all that Merry-go-round and they can settle on poor old Eddie Howe rather than me.”

Gareth Southgate was too busy sobbing in the corner to give a comment.