McLeish factor proves decisive as McFadden signs for £5m

Published on Friday 18 January 2008 20:57

BIRMINGHAM City new boys James McFadden and David Murphy revealed it was the "Alex McLeish factor" that lured them both to St Andrews.

Birmingham have paid an initial 5million to sign Scotland forward McFadden from Everton, and left-back Murphy checked in from Hibernian for 1.5million.

Birmingham's position in the Premier League – just out of the drop zone on goal difference – may not be the healthiest but the duo have no doubt that former Scotland boss McLeish can steer City to safety.

McFadden already knows what it is like to work with McLeish from his time playing with Scotland. McLeish turned McFadden into a force on the international stage, most notably with his winning goal against France in the European Championship qualifier, and he hopes he can enjoy similar success under his tutelage at Birmingham.

McFadden, who is set to take a place on the bench against Chelsea at St Andrews today, said: "It was the manager who attracted me to Birmingham. Having worked with him before I know what to expect from him.

"The chance to play first-team football on a regular basis is also something that appealed to me as well. When I played for Scotland under Alex he got the best out of me now I am hoping he can continue to do that here at Birmingham on a daily basis.

"Alex is great at instilling confidence and belief in you. The fact that he paid so much money for me shows how much he wanted to sign me and now I hope I can repay him.

"It is a new challenge for me and I can't wait to get going. I will not be starting against Chelsea but I hope to play some part in the game."

Murphy is likely to have to wait to make his debut as he has been struggling with a hamstring problem for the last couple of weeks. But, like McFadden, he cannot wait to start working with McLeish. The former Middlesbrough trainee said: "Alex McLeish was a major factor in me joining Birmingham. I was with Hibs for three-and-a-half years and I feel this is the right time to move.

"I had a great time there, but there always comes a point when you have to progress. It was a pretty straightforward move for me once I knew Birmingham were interested.

"I had a bit of a taste of the Premiership with Middlesbrough. I played a few matches, but obviously it didn't work out for me so I moved to Hibernian.

"It was a great learning curve for me because I played a lot of games. I haven't seen much of Birmingham. I saw the manager's first game in charge at Tottenham when they showed a lot of character to win.

"I can't wait to get going. But first and foremost I have to get into the Birmingham team and I am looking to play week in and week out."

Everton manager David Moyes said he was reluctant to allow McFadden to leave for Birmingham, but he has no ideas yet how he intends to spend the 5million-plus transfer fee he will receive for the player.

The Scotland international may have swapped a team pushing for a Champions League place for one fighting to stay in the flight, but although Moyes was disappointed to lose the 24-year-old he accepted his reasons for quitting Goodison Park.

"James wanted to play football regularly, although he played quite regularly for us this season," said Moyes. "I admire him for that. We are in a time when a lot of players are quite happy to sit back and pick up their money but James wanted to play.

"We gave him a chance to sign a contract, which has been on the table for two or three months, but he didn't take that option. It was disappointing to lose him. I wish him well, he is a great boy. I expect him to do well because he is talented and he has a lot going for him."

Everton will receive 5million up front with a further 1million dependent on appearances and Moyes was determined to hold out for the best price despite the forward's obvious desire to seek a new challenge.

"He is worth the money, being a Scotland international, and he is still improving so it was important to get the right price for him," he said. He is very well thought of and I felt that was his value. With a bit of luck it will be close to 6million. It is a good price."

The Everton manager is not sure how much of McFadden's transfer fee will be made available to him or whether he will spend it this month. Having brought Manuel Fernandes in on loan until the end of the season he feels he has enough cover in the squad, although he is currently without Joseph Yobo, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Steven Pienaar because of the African Nations Cup.

However, Moyes has not ruled out making a move before the transfer window, with Everton having been linked with Chelsea's midfielder Steve Sidwell and Russia's Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin.

"I think you are always looking to strengthen. I am quite comfortable with the squad and the players we have got but we are always looking to improve," he added.