Aston Villa poised to appoint Alex McLeish after £2m pay-out

Aston Villa are poised to confirm the controversial appointment of Alex McLeish as manager this morning after agreeing a compensation package of around £2 million with Birmingham City following the Scot's resignation on Sunday.

Villa have not been deterred from pursuing the 52-year-old by a war of words with City or fearsome opposition from their own supporters, and an announcement is expected today.

Birmingham accused Villa of "tapping up" McLeish once it became apparent the former Rangers and Scotland manager was a strong contender to succeed Gerard Houllier at Villa Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Birmingham demanded 5.4 million in compensation to cover the remaining two years of McLeish's contract, but reports last night suggested that the figure was close to 2m, although this has not yet been confirmed by either club.

With all details of a contract thought to have been agreed with McLeish, it is understood legal issues concerning Birmingham are the only hindrance.

Birmingham reacted with anger when Villa confirmed their interest in McLeish soon after he tendered his resignation at St Andrew's. The club felt betrayed after previously saying they were standing by their Carling Cup-winning manager despite relegation from the Barclays Premier League last month.

Villa turned their attention to McLeish after Roberto Martinez opted not to leave Wigan last Friday.

Birmingham threatened to report Villa to the Premier League and to take out an injunction to prevent his appointment by their neighbours but neither were carried out. As the row between the clubs intensified, Villa supporters meanwhile launched their own campaign to prevent the appointment, culminating in a mass protest at the stadium on Wednesday.

Yet that depth of ill feeling did not sway Villa owner Randy Lerner or his board, despite suggestions they ended their interest in another candidate, Steve McClaren, after similar supporter disquiet last week.

Villa want McLeish to restore stability after a difficult year which began with the sudden resignation of Martin O'Neill five days before the start of last season.

His successor Houllier made a number of PR gaffes and was involved in a relegation battle before leaving the club after a health scare.

McLeish had been in charge of Birmingham since 2007 following previous spells with Motherwell, Hibernian, Rangers and Scotland.