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Keith Wyness: Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce 'best man-manager I've known'

Chief executive Keith Wyness has hailed Steve Bruce’s man-management skills and backed the boss to get Villa challenging at the top of the Championship next season.

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Despite nearly two decades spent in management, Wyness believes the 56-year-old has experienced something of a learning curve since replacing Roberto Di Matteo in the Villa hotseat last October.

Bruce immediately set sights on the play-offs but was only able to guide the club to 13th position by the end of the campaign, the lowest finish of his managerial career.

But he is now set to become Villa’s first manager since Paul Lambert to survive into a second transfer window and Wyness believes both he and the club will benefit from greater stability.

He said: “For Steve it’s also been to be a bit of a learning curve. He’ll say himself it’s been the biggest club he’s managed and he’s had to adjust to that as well.

“Anyone coming in October it is a tough time. He’s had one transfer window but we have had five, six managers who have had one window each.

“Steve’s impact has mainly been man motivation and management. He is fantastic and the best I have seen in football at that sort of thing. That’s a key factor in the Championship.”

Promotion will be the sole aim next season, though Wyness rejected the assumption Bruce’s position might quickly come under threat, should Villa not be in contention from the start.

“You can never legislate for injuries or whatever else is going to happen,” he said. “You have to assess things as you go forward.

“I know Steve, he is a proper pro, I have really enjoyed working with him. I can’t see why we would want to have a change.

“I am going into the season very positive we are going to do it. We have every intention this is going to be a long term relationship."

Wyness added: "We need a good start - not to quell any dissatisfaction - but because we want to get the bloody points on the table and win games. That is it.

"We are not worried about that sort of things. That will take care of itself. A good pre-season and doing the basics and the good things continually. It will take care of itself."