Wednesday 12 October 2016 18:41, UK
Derby striker Darren Bent believes his former boss Steve Bruce would do 'really well' at Aston Villa if appointed as manager.
Bruce is understood to be the leading candidate for the vacant managerial position at Villa as owner Dr Tony Xia confirmed an announcement on the position is imminent.
The former Birmingham boss has been the bookmakers' favourite to replace Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked this month after just 12 games in charge, and Bent believes it would be a good appointment.
"He's probably one of the best man managers I've worked with," the 32-year-old said. "I know a lot of players in the squad with me having been at Villa for a while - a lot of players there don't respond well with a lot of negative criticism.
"If you're not playing well or you're not doing what he wants you to do, Steve Bruce will do that.
"But one of the main things about him is that he can get the best out of players by putting his arm around you, telling you how good you are, working with you and just supporting you. That's what he did for me at Sunderland."
Bent said he understands the level of expectation at Aston Villa having spent four years at the club, but believes Bruce would be the right man to replace Di Matteo at the helm.
"He was fantastic to work for," Bent added. "It sounds simple but he told me to go out there, enjoy your football and score goals. As I said it may sound simple, but that's what you want to hear as a front man.
"I enjoyed my time with him and when he goes to Aston Villa, if he gets the job, he will do really well."
Villa's new manager will start their tenure with a midlands derby against Wolves live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday, and despite the Championship club sitting in 19th place after just one win, the expectation levels are high.
"The size of the football club - it's one of the biggest football clubs in England. When you play for a big club the expectation levels are always there," Bent insisted.
"It might make things hard for Brucey considering he has come from Birmingham. As long as he can the expectation levels of the fans and the club in general then I'm sure he will be fine."
