Thursday 13 October 2016 18:55, UK
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce says he is intent on taking the club back to the Premier League and still thinks they can challenge for promotion this season.
The 55-year-old boss added his former stint with city rivals Birmingham is not an issue and that he could not turn down the chance to manage a team of Villa's stature.
Bruce, who was in charge at Birmingham for six years until 2007, left Hull over the summer, frustrated at the club's transfer policy, having guided them back to the Premier League.
He was interviewed for the England post prior to that but now finds himself at Villa, who have won just one Championship game so far this season.
Roberto Di Matteo was sacked last week with Villa languishing in 19th in the standings but Bruce thinks a quick climb up the table is possible.
"I realise that we have to turn this around and I'm quietly confident with the group of players I've seen on paper," he said.
"When you look at the squad we are capable of mounting a challenge and that can be this year too. We're capable of being a very good team.
"They've been a little bit unfortunate but certainly the qualities are there and it's my job to go and get the best out of them."
Bruce says his former spell at Birmingham was not a factor when he weighed up the offer from Villa.
"I have lived in the area for 15 years, I have enjoyed the area so much that I have made it my home," he said.
"When the opportunity came to come and manage a club of this stature then, at the end of the day, I am an out-of-work manager.
"This is one of the big clubs of our country, it has got great history, great tradition, fabulous facilities, wonderful stadium, and a huge, passionate support, which would attract many managers.
"I think I understand the rivalry [with Birmingham]. We all know it, we have all been here long enough.
"When I went to Birmingham, it was a long time ago. We were 15th at Christmas and we went on a run that got us promoted.
"I hope I can bring that success here now. We need to get back in the big league."
Bruce's first game will be a local derby against Wolves, who make the short trip to Villa Park for Saturday's evening kick-off, (5.15, live on Sky Sports 1).
And the manager says his first job is to get the Villa fans firmly on side.
"There is going to be [some disconnect] when you've been relegated, and this club's never been relegated before, so it's new to them," he said.
"We've got to try and mend that if we possibly can, and the only way you can do that is by winning a few matches and play a certain style, to show that passion that the people of the Midlands and the people of Birmingham show towards the club.
"It's my job to try and bring that back."
