Former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass has fondly recalled his transformative loan period at Aston Villa, singling out manager Steve Bruce as the pivotal figure behind his successful stint.
A Season to Remember
Snodgrass joined Villa on a season-long loan in August 2017, becoming a key player in Steve Bruce's squad. The winger made a significant impact, tallying eight goals and 13 assists across 43 appearances for the club.
His time in Birmingham was marked by several crucial moments, including dramatic late winning goals against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. These highlights stood out during Villa's campaign in the Championship, the second tier of English football.
The Bruce Factor: A Manager Who Understands People
In a recent interview, Snodgrass was effusive in his praise for Steve Bruce, whom he described as 'exceptional'. The player highlighted the manager's unique man-management skills as a key reason for his revived form and confidence.
'He's a proper football man and somebody who understands people first and foremost,' Snodgrass stated. 'He's a real people person... a real father figure to a lot of the lads.'
This was the second time Bruce had signed the winger, having first brought him to Hull City, which forged a strong and trusting relationship between the two.
Play-Off Heartache and a Lasting Legacy
Despite Snodgrass's impressive individual contributions, the 2017-18 season ended in disappointment. Aston Villa's push for promotion concluded with a defeat to Fulham in the 2018 Championship play-off final at Wembley.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but the club's fortunes turned around the following year under Dean Smith, who successfully guided Villa back to the Premier League.
Reflecting on his personal experience, Snodgrass emphasised how his move to Villa Park restored his self-belief after a challenging period at West Ham. He felt part of a collective vision to return the historic club to the top flight and cherished the 'great connection' he built with the club's passionate supporters.
Snodgrass concluded his reflections with a strong endorsement for his former boss, expressing a desire to see Bruce back in football in some capacity, confident he would do an 'exceptional job'.
