Fergie backs McLeish for Villa job

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed the likely appointment of Alex McLeish to Aston Villa, saying the Scot will win over sceptical fans in time.

Villa are believed to be finalising a two-million-pound deal for McLeish, with disgruntled former club Birmingham City expected to pocket a similar amount in compensation for losing their manager.

Birmingham had threatened to report Villa to the English Premier League and take out an injunction to block McLeish’s appointment after he abruptly resigned on Sunday.

The Blues found an unlikely ally in Villa’s own supporters, who have called on club owner Randy Lerner to call off his pursuit of the man responsible for managing – and overseeing the relegation of – their Midlands rival.

Now, Ferguson has waded into the ongoing drama with a ringing endorsement of his fellow Scot and one-time player at Aberdeen.

The Manchester United manager believes McLeish has the tools and the experience to take Villa from strength to strength.

“At the end of the day what will count is this – can he do the job for Villa?,” Ferguson said.

“It doesn’t matter whether there are 50 against him, 500 against him or five against him because the experience and the ability he has got, believe me, he will prove that he can do the job.”

“I’ve known him for a long time and I know his abilities. I know how conscientious he is. I know the determination and work ethic he’s always had to make sure he does the job right.”

McLeish earned his stripes with Motherwell and Hibernian and won two league titles with Rangers before advancing to the Scotland national setup.

He joined the Blues in 2007 and has twice led the side to relegation to the Championship.

“I have known Alex since he was 18 years of age when he went to Aberdeen,” Ferguson said.

“He was always intelligent, he was always inquisitive in his nature, he was always asking questions, and these to me are essential ingredients for being a successful manager.”