NSWE ownership confirms Steve Bruce will stay on as Aston Villa manager

Shortly prior to Aston Villa’s second-to-last pre-season friendly, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens confirmed Steve Bruce would be staying on as manager for the 2018/2019 season.

New Aston Villa chairmen Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens confirmed via club statement that incumbent manager Steve Bruce is staying on as head coach. The announcement, that can be found here, states the new majority owners give the gaffer their full support.

This news comes on the heels of multiple reports that Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry was lined-up as replacement should Bruce not have impressed NSWE. The meeting must have gone well, however, as both Sawiris and Edens show patience after acquiring the club less than one week ago.

Villa Verdict:

Bruce will handle the reigns next week, which, in my opinion, is the correct call. Bruce has several faults, but at the end of the day, he gives Aston Villa the best chance to succeed, at least initially. If the new owners realize after an extended mediocre period that Bruce isn’t working out, they can easily axe the manager and install “their guy” in his place.

This was not a statement of undying support, but merely a continuation of the status quo. Villa nearly got promoted after a 4th-place finish and a +30 goal differential and about 85% of the squad returns.

Considering the improvements of other clubs, notably Stoke City, Derby County, and West Bromwich Albion, it’s a leap to say Villa are favorites for a top-two finish and promotion. In fact, first or second is probably a very remote possibility unless there are 2-3 improvements in the team (and no Grealish and/or Chester sale). But, another top-six place is firmly up for grabs…at least for now.

The Villa team that took the field against West Ham United in a 3-1 loss on Wednesday will undoubtedly look far different come Monday, August 6th – let alone the end of the transfer window.