Aston Villa are set to make an appointment to the backroom team with former Middlesbrough boss Steve Agnew in line for a role with the West Midlands club.

That’s according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce who works for The Times and revealed the news via his twitter account this afternoon.

Agnew had been assistant to Aitor Karanka at Middlesbrough as the Spaniard took the club into the Premier League.

However, after a mid-season slump, the former Real Madrid man was sacked and despite several names being linked with the job, Chairman Steve Gibson decided to give Agnew the job for the remainder of the season.

It didn’t work out with the Teesside club relegated and Boro appointed Garry Monk in the summer but Agnew didn’t return to his role as assistant.

Gazette Live reported that Agnew is on gardening leave, however that will be over once he links up with close friend Steve Bruce at Villa.

Agnew was number two to Bruce at Hull City, where the pair won promotion with the Tigers and got to an FA Cup final in what was a very successful period.

The Verdict

Given that success at Hull, this looks like a good move by Villa and Bruce will be delighted to get another coach in that he can trust and rely on.

As well as that, it could give the training ground a lift. Players often say it’s refreshing to hear a new voice try new training methods.

It also shows the board at Villa have faith in Bruce and are doing all they can to help him.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.