Steve Bruce sacked by Aston Villa

Steve Bruce has been sacked by Aston Villa.

The 57-year-old has been axed just days short of what would have been his two-year anniversary in charge following a run of just one win in nine Championship games, with left Villa 12th in the table.

Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Preston saw supporters vent their anger at the boss and proved to be his final game in charge.

The Express & Star understands Bruce was summoned to a meeting with chief executive Christian Purslow on Wednesday morning, where he was given the news.

An official announcement on Wednesday evening then confirmed his departure along with backroom staff Colin Calderwood, Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Gary Walsh.

Under-23s boss Kevin MacDonald will take charge of Saturday's game away at Millwall.

The club's statement read: “We would like to place on record our gratitude to Steve and his team for their hard work and commitment. We wish them well for the future.

“The process of recruiting a new manager has begun. In the meantime, Kevin MacDonald, Aston Villa U23s manager, will be in charge of the team for our trip to Millwall on Saturday.”

Sacking Bruce leaves Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, Villa’s owners, looking for the first new manager of their reign.

The pair had given Bruce their public backing after arriving at the club in July.

But results have proved disappointing and the draw with Preston, who are bottom of the Championship, proved to be the final straw.

Bruce’s sacking comes two years to the day to that of his predecessor, Roberto Di Matteo.

He took charge when the club were in the lower reaches of the Championship, with a reputation as a promotion specialist.

But May’s play-off final defeat to Fulham proved to be as close as he came to returning Villa to the top flight.

Fan frustration at performances had steadily grown in recent weeks, until it reached the point where the board decided they had no choice but to act.