Odds slashed on Aston Villa going up after Bruce announcement

Ladbrokes have slashed the odds on Aston Villa making a quick fire return to the Premier League to just 5/1 from 15/2 following the appointment of Steve Bruce.

Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia called an end to Roberto Di Matteo’s time in the hotseat after the West Midlands outfit lost 2-0 to Preston North End just before the international break.

That defeat left the Championship debutants stranded in the bottom half of the table, a staggering 15 points off league leaders Huddersfield Town.

And while many names were linked with the vacancy, Bruce headed the market right from the off.

No stranger to the division, the former Manchester United defender has won promotion to the top-flight on four previous occasions, two of those being with Villa’s bitter rivals Birmingham City.

But it seems as though Bruce’s links to the Blues have been all but forgotten, with several fans calling for the 55-year-old to be given the job.

And their wishes were this morning granted, leading our traders with no option but to slash odds on the Villans winning promotion to the top-flight to just 5/1.

Supporters can also snap up odds of 20/1 for their side to remain unbeaten in the league between now and Christmas (11 games), while 5/2 says Bruce’s men top the table at any stage this season.

Elsewhere, the bookies expect the former Hull gaffer to be in it for the long haul, with 1/3 on offer for Bruce to remain in charge come the opening day of next season.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “Aston Villa have finally landed their man and the odds suggest the only way is up having appointed a master of Championship promotion.”

Up next for the Claret and Blues is local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, who make the short trip to Villa Park five points ahead of their opponents.

While the home side head into this one as 20/21 favourites, it’s Wolves who have the upper hand, having not lost in their last three trips to Witton.

But should Bruce get off to winning ways, there’s every chance his new side can begin to climb up the table.

Ladbrokes Latest Betting:

Aston Villa specials

Aston Villa to be promoted – 5/1

Steve Bruce still to be in charge on the opening day of next season – 1/3

Aston Villa to top the Championship at any stage this season – 5/2

Steve Bruce to remain unbeaten until Christmas – 20/1

Aston Villa to go the whole season without winning an away game – 50/1

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing