Bitter Birmingham to fight Villa and McLeish

Birmingham City have condemned Alex McLeish’s move to Aston Villa and are vowing to ‘vigorously pursue’ compensation in the matter.

Villa confirmed they had signed McLeish to their vacant managerial position on Friday, just five days after the Scot abruptly resigned from Birmingham.

The Blues, who were relegated from the English Premier League last season, accused Villa of ‘tapping up’ McLeish after it emerged the club had made an approach.

Acting chairman Peter Pannu demanded Birmingham be compensated to the tune of 5.4 million pounds – as set out in McLeish’s contract – but were rebuffed by Villa, who went ahead with their signing regardless of the Blues’ complaints.

But Birmingham have warned Villa that the matter is not yet settled, saying their fight for compensation will go on until they are satisfied.

“The fact that Alex McLeish has been appointed as manager of Aston Villa does not, in any way, mean that the legal dispute is over and Birmingham City Football Club maintains its stance and shall vigorously pursue the matter,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“We are very disappointed with how the club and its fans have been treated by Mr McLeish given the way we have supported him over the years and we are still looking into whether Aston Villa’s conduct has been in line with Premier League rules.”

“As the club is currently enforcing its legal right with Mr McLeish the matter is in the hands of our lawyers and it is therefore not appropriate for the club to make any further comment at this stage.”

“The club will continue its full efforts on recruiting a new manager and hope to make an appointment as soon as possible.”