Former Scotland & Aston Villa centre half joins Bruce at Villa Park.

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Whilst Villa were progressing nicely at the AMEX on Friday night, club officials were hammering out the final details for Colin Calderwood to join as Steve Bruce’s assistant manager.

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Calderwood leaves Brighton having tendered his resignation earlier this month & has been released ahead of his notice period expiring. It’s reported that Villa have had to meet a compensation demand, the cost of which is undisclosed.

The former Scottish international breaks a longstanding tie-up with Chris Hughton to switch to Villa Park & departs The Seaguls as they sit second in The Championship.

This has surprised some given Brighton’s positive start to the season and must be seen as a big blow to the south coast side.

Calderwood arrives at Villa Park with 13 years coaching experience as either manager, head coach or assistant.

His background over this period is varied, with success at Northampton, followed by struggles at Forest.

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Equally his time at Newcastle featured mixed fortunes including a relegation but marked the beginnings of well regarded 7 year relationship with Hughton, whom [despite a brief hiatus to Hibs] has performed to good effect at Blues, Norwich and latterly Brighton.

As a player Calderwood may be remembered by some fans for a solitary season with Villa towards the twilight of his career.

The former Spurs defender appeared 26 times in 1999/2000 campaign, which saw Villa finish 6th under the management of John Gregory. That certainly feels like a lifetime ago.

Calderwood’s stay was in reality brief and unspectacular, and predictably departed for pastures new, opting to join Nottingham Forest that season. He retired within a year after a brief spell with Notts County.

Calderwood is known to be a heart on the sleeve type of character & fits the mould of the clubs public policy of recruiting leadership at Bodymoor Heath.

A recent example of the Scots passion was seen during last seasons promotion decider against Middlesbrough, when he appeared to push opposition boss

Aitor Karanka as tempers flared during the crucial game.

Passion? We’ll have some of that. Welcome aboard.

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Calderwood At A Glance:

51 Years Old.

36 caps for Scotland.

13 years coaching experience.

Promoted through the divisions with Swindon Town.

Missed a year after a serious injury inflicted by Steve Bull.

Win ration as a manager 42%

Joined Villa for 250k in 1999.