Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has been awarded the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award for January.

Bruce led his side to a remarkable five wins from five during the month, with the solid run leaving the Villains just a point away from an automatic promotion spot.

Villa have been in excellent form this season and are strong contenders to end their two year Premier League exile, with Bruce proving to be an excellent appointment by chairman Tony Xia despite their poor finish in the division last season.

Bruce has been away from the club for the past few days after the sad loss of his father, but is expected to return to the dugout for this weekend’s huge second city derby clash with Birmingham City.

The Verdict

Bruce has assembled an extremely strong squad at Villa Park since his appointment at the start of last season, and his work in the summer with the shock acquisition of John Terry has proven to be a real masterclass by the former Manchester United captain.

Villa possess an excellent blend of experience and youth within the squad, and once Bruce is back in the dugout and leading this side, it would take a brave man to bet against the club achieving promotion this term, whether it be automatic or via the playoffs.

Villa fans, let us know your thoughts!