Express & Star

Former Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce: I’m physically and emotionally ready

Former Villa boss Steve Bruce declared himself fighting fit when introduced to the media as Sheffield Wednesday’s new manager.

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The 58-year-old was appointed on January 2, but officially took up his role on Thursday after completing a pre-arranged family holiday in the Caribbean. Bruce took time out from football after his mother and father died last year and he was sacked by Villa in October.

“Physically I’m great, emotionally I’m great,” said Bruce, who has had his own health issues since departing Villa Park.

And he said he was not surprised by the criticism he has received for delaying his Hillsborough start.

He said: “There’s been a bit of a furore over the last few weeks, but I spoke to the chairman and told him the issues I had and he was prepared to say ‘okay’. It doesn’t surprise me anymore that people are ready to cast aspersions against you when they don’t know the facts.”