Former Aston Villa and Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell has delivered his opinion on the dismissal of Steve Bruce, claiming it was premature.

Speaking on Sky Sports' 'The Debate' podcast, Sidwell revealed he felt sorry for Bruce following his sacking earlier in the week. The 57-year old was given his marching orders almost two years after taking over at Villa, with them still languishing in the Championship.

35-year old Sidwell made his name playing for Reading, but later made 64 senior appearances for Villa in a career that became a little nomadic.

He's well placed to offer an opinion on the situation, knowing the club as he does.

Of the sacking he said: "I just think it is a bit premature because if you are going to want someone to get you out of that league, he's obviously got the pedigree, what's he done it four times I think and as I say in that division things can turn around for you so quickly."

Despite having been at the helm for two years, Sidwell believes the summer of discontent at Villa Park contributed to the poor start and that Bruce was in a position to turn things around.

"With his man management and the players that are there that I know in that dressing room that they would turn it around. This is a transitional period now for a huge football club. I mean I can't tell you how taken aback about how big the football club was when I walked in the doors, huge pressure. I feel sorry for Steve Bruce."

Villa are now allegedly turning their attentions towards David Moyes, the former Manchester United manager most recently with West Ham.

The Verdict

It is very easy indeed for a former player or pundit to say Bruce was treated harshly, but they've won once in ten games.

He got the recruitment wrong, he left gaping holes in the defence and loaned out the likes of Elphick and Gardner who could at least have covered adequately.

He was on borrowed time after last year's failure to go up and that time has now elapsed. There's nothing a few kind words from a former player can do either.

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