• Championship

Birmingham chief considers legal action over McLeish

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 13, 2011
Alex McLeish could not keep Birmingham up © Getty Images
Enlarge

Birmingham's acting chairman Peter Pannu has slammed former boss Alex McLeish for quitting his job by e-mail after the club had already bought him four players.

McLeish resigned on Sunday, with reports suggesting he is ready to take over the managerial reins at rivals Aston Villa, but Pannu has revealed his anger at the timing of the decision.

''We spent £40 million on his team, supported him all the way and what we get is relegation and then a snub. I've just bought him three players of his choice in Chris Burke, Marlon King and Morgaro Gomis,'' Pannu said.

''Whilst in Amsterdam, having secured him the fourth [Danny Koevermans from PSV Eindhoven], an e-mail came through on Sunday whilst I am on business. That speaks volumes."

Birmingham have yet to accuse Villa of making an illegal approach for their manager, but Pannu insisted he will find out why McLeish was so eager to quit.

''I won't blame any outside clubs until I find out more,'' he added. "He is still our contracted staff and BCFC does not grant him any right to speak to any outsiders until the matter is resolved. I will be meeting my legal team tomorrow.

"I will deal with this tomorrow and rest assured I will leave no stone unturned. It's about time some discipline is instilled into this game. I am unfortunately not a person who gets pushed about."

Villa fans have already raised their objections to the possibility of McLeish's appointment, but director general Charles Krulak, speaking last week said:

"We will not seek a manager who simply gets a thumbs-up from the fans. We will get the very best man for the job - in our opinion and in the opinion of those who assist in the decision process. Once we get our man, we will give him all the support he needs.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices