Jump to content

McLeish to be new Birmingham boss


Besty
 Share

Recommended Posts

McLeish to be new Birmingham boss

Alex McLeish has resigned as Scotland manager and BBC Sport understands he will take over as Birmingham boss.

 

Birmingham have called a news conference for Wednesday morning where they are expected to unveil McLeish.

 

The 48-year-old led Scotland to the brink of Euro 2008 qualification and his deal ran until 2010.

 

But Blues, who received £3m when Steve Bruce left for Wigan, are believed to have agreed a compensation package with the Scottish Football Association.

 

The SFA were keen to hold on to McLeish and said it had rejected an approach for him.

 

But, despite reports they would offer McLeish an improved deal, the lure of the English top-flight has proved too great for the former Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell boss.

 

"I understand that McLeish agreed to join Birmingham soon after getting off the plane from South Africa this morning where he had been representing Scotland at the World Cup draw," said BBC 5 Live sports reporter.

 

"Compensation isn't a problem. The SFA will receive around £1m for releasing McLeish.

 

"McLeish has long hankered after managing a club in the Premier League and he was interviewed for the West Brom job three years ago.

 

"His playing credentials as a lion-hearted defender, capped 77 times by Scotland, and his clutch of trophies picked up as Rangers manager will guarantee him respect in the Birmingham dressing room."

 

A hint that Blues had got their man came when caretaker assistant Eric Black quit on Tuesday to join Bruce at Wigan.

 

McLeish previously had not ruled out a return to club football.

 

"I am Scotland manager until something else happens," he said recently

 

He also said he would not guarantee he would still be in charge for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

 

"It's a long time away," he told BBC Sport. "You can never tell in football.

 

"It's something that is always out of your control. I am Scotland manager until something else happens."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.