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Alex Bruce could help Aston Villa under his father

By David Bronson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Father and son Alex Bruce and Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City celebrate with the trophy after the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Father and son Alex Bruce and Steve Bruce, manager of Hull City celebrate with the trophy after the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Hull City center back Alex Bruce is leaving the Tigers at the expiry of his contract. Bruce, 32, spent the latter half of the season on-loan with Wigan Athletic. Aston Villa will see Hull City next year in the second division as the Tigers suffered relegation.

Aston Villa need depth in central defense; that much is totally known. James Chester is a Premier League talent, but who partners him is a question week-to-week.

Likewise, Nathan Baker is rock solid in defense when he plays. *When he plays* is the key qualifier, as Baker picks up multiple injuries throughout the course of a year.

Tommy Elphick is generally a solid enough third option. However, rumors continually circulate regarding his future after a miserable first season in Birmingham. After that? Not much. Kevin Toner has a handful of Premier League appearances to his name, but he spent 2017 out on loan. Moreover, Jacob Bedeau is 17 and Easah Suliman 18.

Enter Steve Bruce’s son, Alex, who is conveniently a free transfer this summer. Alex isn’t a great footballer at this stage in his career at 32. He is, however, vastly experienced in the first, second, and third divisions of English football.

Most importantly, a move to Villa would be totally free aside from wages. Owner Dr. Tony Xia explained the club faces a tightening budget due to financial fair play restrictions.

At 5’11”, Bruce won’t be a threat from set pieces – evidenced by five goals in 321 professional appearances.

He could be an important depth piece as a fourth central defender. Not someone to wholly replace Tommy Elphick, but be there to drive the shape in case of injury calamity. Bruce has not played much in the past two seasons. No doubt the reason he’s leaving Hull City.

Bruce has experience playing with his father – twice. Alex was an integral part of the 2012-2013 Hull team under his father that gained entrance to the Premier League.

Next: Aston Villa don't need Ahmed Elmohamady

Going through the years, Alex Bruce has generally been ok statistically.

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