Steve Bruce: Aston Villa fans can see that we care
Steve Bruce hailed Villa's derby victory over Blues but admitted there is still much work to do if they are to be a force in the Championship next season.
Gabriel Agbonlahor's first goal in 14 months earned Villa a 1-0 win over their rivals but Bruce was typically honest about a performance in which the goal came from his team's only shot on target of the entire game.
Despite victory lifting Villa back into the top half of the Championship, the manager knows much better will be demanded next season and is braced for a busy summer as he looks to build a side capable of challenging for promotion.
"I still think I've got a lot to do – I've got a hugely busy summer and we've still got a huge clear-up job to continue," said Bruce.
"I think the supporters can realise there are shoots of recovery and I keep talking about that.
"At least they're seeing their team playing with a bit of passion – some of the headers towards the death – it meant something to them.
"There was a great one from Nathan Baker and Alan Hutton where it means something to them, and that for me is the pleasing thing.
"We've taken away the stigma that they don't care, not interested and they're not bothered.
"They're privileged to play for a club like this and so am I.
"But we're not anywhere near the finished article – we've still got a lot to do to try to get back where we want to get to."
Though much had been made in the build-up of Sky's decision not to broadcast the game live, it ultimately proved a shrewd move, with chances at short supply at either end.
Che Adams wasted Blues' best opportunity when he hooked Lukas Jutkiewicz's cross over the bar from ten yards out. David Davis also drew a save from Sam Johnstone in the second half but neither keeper made a stop of note during the 90 minutes.
"In terms of a spectacle everybody loves it but it's the worst game of football of the season," joked Bruce.
"The ball was screaming at one point, 'please don't bash me again' but 40,000 people have gone home happy and it doesn't matter how the team played."
Defeat left Blues perched just two points above the relegation zone and Bruce, who spent six years as manager at St Andrew's, added: "I hope for the city (Blues stay up) because we want to see occasions like this.
"It was absolutely fabulous. The Second City needs a derby and let's be fair, we should be in the other league, but we're not and this is where we find ourselves."
