Birmingham set to report Villa over McLeish raid
BIRMINGHAM CITY have accused Aston Villa of tapping up Alex McLeish as the second-city managerial tug of war intensifies.
Villa announced last night their intention to interview the 52-year-old for their vacant post “imminently” after McLeish walked out on the Carling Cup holders last weekend.
But the Birmingham, facing up to life in the Championship following relegation from the top flight, have refused to accept McLeish’s resignation and acting chairman Peter Pannu has confirmed that lawyers are being consulted amid his claim that £5.4m would be owed.
A statement on their official website read: “Birmingham City football club finds Aston Villa’s announcement to proceed with an interview with Alex McLeish a contempt of Premier League and FA rules.
“The club feel this will taint football and give the game and the footballing authorities a bad name if this is allowed to materialise. The club will do what is within its powers to prevent this and will lodge a formal complaint to the authorities as there is now not the slightest doubt remaining about this tap up attempt.”
Earlier yesterday League Managers’ Association chief executive Richard Bevan claimed that McLeish’s position at Birmingham had become “untenable”.
Bevan said that disputes with the Blues board over not being consulted about player transfers and the sacking of his chief scout had forced McLeish to quit his position.
“Alex decided he had to resign as there had been serious issues for some time between him and the board at Birmingham,” said Bevan.