This is why Steve Bruce deserves 'respect' from fans

Dean Smith says Steve Bruce deserves “respect” from Aston Villa fans ahead of his return to Villa Park.
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One Villa fan threw a cabbage at Bruce, who took charge of Newcastle United in the summer following the departure of Rafa Benitez.

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Smith – who succeeded Bruce at Villa Park and went on to guide the club to promotion through the play-offs – has labelled the cabbage incident “disgraceful”.

Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

"I thought it was a disgrace," said Smith. "You don't want to see that in the ground – I said that at the time."

Smith is an admirer of Bruce, whose “organised” United side is 14th in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow night’s game against 17th-placed Villa.

Speaking ahead of Bruce’s first return to Villa Park, Smith said: "I said when I took the job that I have an awful lot of respect for what he’s done in management, but, more importantly, for how he’s as a man as well.

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"This season, if you look at Newcastle at the start, there were a lot of questions about the club and where it was going. But Steve has gone in and done what he does best – got them organised.

"They've got pace and power up front. They are winning games – they've won the last couple – and they beat Manchester United at home as well. They’re in a good run of form at the moment."

Smith was particularly impressed with Newcastle’s 3-2 away win over West Ham United.

Allan Saint-Maximin wreaked havoc with his pace at the London Stadium, where former Villa defender Ciaran Clark, “touch and go” for the game with an injury, was among the goalscorers.

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"It could have been five or six, such is the pace and power they've got in their team," said Smith. "They were outstanding in their counter-attacking.

"They've got really good organisation as well. They're tough to break down, but a real threat on the counter."