Bruce was sacked by Villa after winning only one of their last 10 games in all competitions.

Villa reached the play-off final last season against Fulham. But after a complicated summer with financial issues and losing big players, Steve Sidwell and Craig Bellamy both agreed the decision to dismiss Bruce came too soon.

«In the summer, the infrastructure wasn’t there, there was the news about Thierry Henry possibly coming in, the transfers and no one really knew what was going on with the club,» Sidwell told the Sky Sports Debate.

«It filtered onto the pitch, which then showed itself in how they were playing. No one really knew how they were playing. There was no identity, which is what you need at a football club, especially a club of that size.

«I think it’s a bit premature. If you want someone to get you out of that league, he’s got the pedigree. He’s done it four times, and with his man management and the players they have there I think they would have turned it round.»