Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager.
Bruce, who has previously won promotion to the Premier League twice with Birmingham City and twice with Hull City, will be tasked with returning top-flight football to Villa Park.
The former Manchester United defender has been out of work since leaving Hull in July and will succeed Roberto Di Matteo, who oversaw only one win in 10 Championship games.
Bruce becomes Villa's fourth permanent manager in under two years following on from Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and Di Matteo.
But following a takeover by Dr. Tony Xia the club spent over £50 million this summer to complete the signings of Ross McCormack, Jonathan Kodjia, Mile Jedinak and James Chester among others.
Breaking news: We are delighted to announce Steve Bruce as our new manager. #AVFC #WelcomeSteve pic.twitter.com/QlKNozk7KX
- Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) October 12, 2016
Villa are currently 19th in the Championship table ahead of a local derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday night.
"It's a wonderful opportunity. It is one of the big clubs of this country. To be given the opportunity to manage it is terrific," Bruce said.
"I relish the challenge of trying to take the Club where it wants to go and needs to be --and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years. I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance. I hope I can do my stuff."