Garry Thompson: Keep the faith with Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce

Bruce’s future is uncertain with failure to win promotion to the Premier League having left Villa facing a financial nightmare and a summer of major upheaval.

The 57-year-old has made clear his wish to continue and discussions with senior officials are expected in the coming days as the club look to plot a way forward. Bruce, who took over from Roberto Di Matteo in October 2016 with Villa sitting 19th in the Championship, has come in for criticism from certain sections of the fanbase at points during his reign.

Saturday’s play-off final defeat to Fulham has now put his position back in the spotlight. But Thompson believes he remains the right man to take Villa forward.

He said: “I think people need to look at the bigger picture – where the club was when he arrived and where it is now. No-one can say there hasn’t been progress.

“Yes, there have been mistakes, some signings haven’t worked out and Saturday’s performance was disappointing.

“But generally the club is in a much better place. The work Bruce has done in sorting out the dressing room has been crucial. He doesn’t get enough credit for that.

“The connection between the fans and the team has been restored and I would be wary of disrupting that.”

Villa face a summer of significant reorganisation after missing out on a £175million windfall.

Owner Tony Xia is now under pressure to slash a wage bill which includes several high earners who have either regularly failed to make the matchday squad or, in the case of Ross McCormack and Micah Richards, long been deemed surplus to requirements.

Prize asset Jack Grealish could be sold to help plug the cash shortage.

Thompson said: “It’s worrying but in Bruce they have someone who knows the situation. He knew this was a possibility and he should be ready for it.”