Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has been nominated for the Manager of the Month award for January.

The promotion chasing Villans have been in wonderful form since the turn of the year, winning each of their five new year fixtures to move to within a point of the automatic promotion spots.

A 5-0 mauling of promotion rivals Bristol City kicked off the productive month, with important home wins over Barnsley and Burton Albion complimented by six points on the road at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.

Bruce’s side had got off to a difficult start this season following a summer of heavy recruitment, but the quality within the squad at Villa Park has begun to show in recent months, with the former Birmingham City boss recognised for his achievements ahead of Sunday’s clash with his former side in the second city derby.

The Verdict

Aston Villa have one of the strongest squads in the second tier, and it is no surprise to see the club in the lofty position that they find themselves.

However despite a well assembled squad, success is not guaranteed, as can be seen at Leeds United and Middlesbrough this semester, and Bruce must be applauded for the work he has done this year, as must chairman Tony Xia, who stuck with the manager despite a disappointing first season in the Championship.

Bruce should pick up the gong this month following five wins, in what would be a well deserved win.

Villa fans, let us know your thoughts!