Villa to interview McLeish ´imminently´

Aston Villa have declared they will interview Alex McLeish ‘imminently’ despite protestations from Midlands rivals Birmingham City.

Villa’s search for a manager to replace health-stricken Gerard Houllier has zeroed in on McLeish, who abruptly emailed his resignation to Birmingham on Sunday.

The Scot had two years remaining on his contract with the Blues, who were relegated to the Championship in the last campaign.

Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has vowed to fight any attempt by Villa to appoint McLeish until 5.4 million pounds in compensation is paid to the club.

Pannu has also accused Villa of coercion and indicated he will make a complaint to the English Premier League.

But Villa are sticking to their belief that McLeish is now a ‘free agent’ and have taken the unusual step of publicly announcing they will interview the 52-year-old.

“The club has been reluctant to elaborate publicly on our search for a new manager and, in particular, to confirm or deny our interest in specific candidates,” a Villa statement read.

“This is not a new policy, indeed it is the approach that we have taken both in regard to managerial prospects, and potential player signings.”

“The club understands that Alex McLeish is a free agent. We therefore intend to interview him imminently in order to make a decision regarding his candidacy to become Villa manager.”

“We feel it is essential to select a manager who understands and supports our strategy for the club to grow and to be sustainable.”

“Otherwise, the natural tensions and competitive pressures that are involved with every season will ultimately cause instability and make continuity impossible.”

Birmingham and Villa are bitter rivals, with Blues fans invading the pitch at St Andrews to taunt their neighbours after winning their FA Cup tie this season.

But Aston Villa seem determined to give McLeish a fair chance, reiterating that his prior allegiance to Birmingham would not count against him.

“We would, however, like to emphasise that in deciding to interview Alex McLeish, the board has taken his tenure at our local rivals and the strong emotions associated with this very seriously.”

“We are determined, still, not to allow that three-and-a-half year post to disqualify him should he be the best candidate for the role of Aston Villa manager.”

McLeish is expected to meet with Villa bosses on Wednesday or Thursday. He could be appointed as early as Friday.