Steve Bruce: 'My job is safe'

Steve Bruce gives instructions during the Championship playoff final between Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday on May 28, 2016
© Getty Images
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce claims to have the full backing of club owner Dr. Tony Xia.

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has claimed that owner Dr. Tony Xia has assured him that his job is safe.

The former Hull City manager took over at Villa Park in October and, after a strong start to his time in the hotseat, the club find themselves in the middle of a poor run that has seen them lose six of their last seven Championship games.

As a result, the Villans are now 17th in the table and 22 points off the playoffs, meaning that the Midlands outfit will spend at least two seasons outside the top tier of English football.

"[Xia] has messaged me his support," Bruce told The Telegraph. "I think he is desperate for me to turn it round. He understands. What we don't understand is the run we are on.

"But I will turn it around. I need time and, of course, I need a few ­results. But six weeks ago I'm the saviour and now it's off with his head. That's how it is these days."

Next up for Villa is a tough trip to Championship leaders Newcastle United this evening.

Steve Bruce gives instructions during the Championship playoff final between Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday on May 28, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Newcastle UnitedNewcastle32223762253769
2Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton32208454262868
3Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3220484335864
4Reading3318694742560
5Leeds UnitedLeeds331841145341158
6Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds33177942321058
7Fulham321410854371752
8Norwich CityNorwich331561258471151
9Barnsley33147125147449
10Preston North EndPreston331310104440449
11Derby CountyDerby32139103629748
12Cardiff CityCardiff33136144547-245
13Ipswich TownIpswich331011123441-741
14Brentford32117144646040
15Queens Park RangersQPR33117153646-1040
16Birmingham CityBirmingham331010133448-1440
17Aston Villa32812123038-836
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest33106174658-1236
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves3198143842-435
20Burton Albion3398163346-1335
21Bristol City3295184248-632
22Wigan AthleticWigan3379173040-1030
23Blackburn RoversBlackburn3178163649-1329
24Rotherham UnitedRotherham3345243073-4317