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Villa 15-2 to go back up as Bruce is named boss

STEVE BRUCE has won promotion to the Premier League on four occasions (twice with Birming­ham and twice with Hull) and has the chance to make it five after being appointed as Aston Villa’s new manager.

The 55-year-old was the favourite for the Villa Park hotseat from the moment Roberto Di Matteo left the club ten days ago, although there was speculation that he faced a challenge from Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

Bruce takes over with Villa 19th in the table, having won just one of 11 league games this season.

However, there are still 35 games to go and Bruce’s new side are 15-2 to be promoted. Bruce may take time to win over Villa fans, having been in charge of Birmingham between December 2001 and November 2007.

Bet365 bet on which club will finish higher this season and go 1-2 Villa and 6-4 Birmingham. They offer 9-4 that Bruce leaves Villa before the campaign’s end.

Derby’s managerial search was also at an end with Steve McClaren returning to the helm just 17 months after leaving the club in May 2015. McClaren left the Rams after failing to steer them into the playoffs and has a tough task this season with Derby 20th.

Chris Powell will revert to an assistant manager role under McClaren. Derby are 14-1 to go up and 4-1 for a top-six finish.

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