Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce admits being in charge of Aston Villa was among the worst periods of his career.

His time Villa Park culiminated with a cabbage being thrown at him by a Villa fan.

Ahead of tonight's return, Bruce recalled: "It summed up that day against Preston, cruising 2-0 up at half-time, James Chester got sent off and then 3-2 down with two minutes to we equalised.. we then had a penalty, the ball fell to Glenn Whelan, he thought being the most experienced man on the pitch he should take it.

"He had never scored a penalty in his life, I said give it to Bolasie because he had scored twice. He wanted to take the responsibility.

“I thought it (cabbage) was a ball to begin with, it was a big old thing.

"How he got it into the stadium I don't know. Stephen Clemence miscontrolled it when came in, my reaction was 'what the f*** is that?' It didn't miss me by much, it fell at my feet. I thought it was a ball, the size of it.

"The fans can throw some things, but a cabbage?

“I went the next day so I didn't have time to get angry. It was one of the most unsavoury times of my career."