Aston Villa boss praises ‘unbelievable’ supporters after win over QPR

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce said his players owed it to their “unbelievable” fans to deliver a result after recent below-par performances.

Bruce made six changes to the team which lost at Norwich in midweek and was rewarded with a 1-0 victory earned by Jonathan Kodjia’s strike 15 minutes from time.

More than 3,000 Villa supporters made the trip down to Loftus Road for the 12pm kick-off and Bruce was delighted they able to witness the club’s second away win since August 2015.

“We’re pleased that we’ve got a result for the unbelievable support we’ve got,” Bruce said.

“Over Christmas we’ve got back to back home games and I think we’re sold out for Burton Albion, which is testament to the club and the supporters.

“We’ve had thousands at QPR and when you’ve got support like that you’ve got to give them what they expect.

“Now we’ve got to try and make an impression on the top six, that’s got to be our aim.”

Bruce also said shaking off the club’s losing habit, after several seasons in the doldrums, was his primary focus.

He added: “For a long time they’ve been used to getting beaten. Slowly but surely you’ve got to get their confidence back that they can play for this club.”