Colin Calderwood was attracted by size of Aston Villa

Back when he was a player, the 51-year-old spent a season at Villa Park, but he says his decision to come to the West Midlands had nothing to do with that brief stint.

Eyebrows were raised when he decided to leave Brighton because Chris Hughton's team are currently second in the Championship and pushing for promotion while Villa sit in 16th position.

But Calderwood decided to play the long game.

"It's been a difficult decision in the first place to leave Chris and Brighton," he admitted. "It's not so much coming back – I was only here for a short period as a player – it's not that reason.

"It's the size of the club, and where I hope we're going to be able to get to which is exciting and made the decision for me."

Calderwood was announced as Steve Bruce's assistant this week after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium last Friday.

And the former Birmingham City assistant isn't regretting his decision one bit.

"I'm very excited about this chance," he said. "Being here for two or three days already I think it's proving to be the right decision in the early stages.

"We've obviously got work to do but I want to be successful."