Six in running for vacancy, says Birmingham

Birmingham City acting chairman Peter Pannu has revealed the club is looking at six potential replacements for Alex McLeish.

McLeish resigned from his position with the newly-relegated club on Sunday and is now rumoured to be considering taking the helm at City’s Midlands rivals Aston Villa, although Birmingham will seek compensation if that is the case.

Now Pannu has said his club are looking at six possible replacements for the Scot, with former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton reported to be one of those in contention.

Former West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is another of those thought to be in contention, as is ex-West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola.

Other names to be linked with the job are Alan Curbishley and sacked Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies.

“I am discussing the situation with Carson (Yeung, Birmingham chairman) and we hope to install the new man as soon as possible,” Paanu said.

“There are at least six on the radar.”