OPINION
Things were all change for Aston Villa over the summer with the arrival of the new owners to the helm and it appears as though they are starting to really stamp their mark on the club – which could be bad news for manager Steve Bruce.
After helping save the side from their financial woes, Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens also bankrolled some new signings, both on permanent and temporary deals, and their plans have now led to the senior staff at the club.
The Daily Mail report that major changes have taken place behind the scenes with no less than seven members of staff, including from the footballing side of the club’s activities, have been told they are surplus to requirements, although Bruce, who has come under fire in recent weeks from sections of the fanbase, was spared.
The newspaper also claim that the club could be weeks away from appointing a new sporting director, and while the manager might have felt safe beforehand, this change could be the start of the end for the experienced boss.
It is stated that the new owners are hoping to move in a new direction, but with Bruce representing the old guard more than anyone, how is he expected to continue working at the club when ideals are not in line?
Bruce’s future could all come down to who the top brass want to appoint to fill the void left by former director of football Steve Round after his departure over the summer, and the results on the pitch will help the owners decide whether he is the right man to manage the club as he is set to lose some power over the recruitment.
The fight is on for the former Hull boss, and having seen plenty of people who he worked closely with sacked, his allies behind closed doors are dwindling.