• Premier League

McLeish move 'borderline criminal' - Pannu

ESPNsoccernet staff
June 14, 2011
Alex McLeish waved goodbye to Birmingham on Sunday © PA Photos
Enlarge

Birmingham City acting chairman Peter Pannu has hit out at Aston Villa over their interest in Alex McLeish, and insisted the relegated club will demand full compensation of £5.4 million if he moves across the city.

McLeish walked out on Birmingham on Sunday, three weeks to the day since Blues were relegated on the last day of the season with defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Birmingham immediately suspected that Villa would move to appoint McLeish as their search for a manager to replace the departed Gerard Houllier goes on. And a furious Pannu did not mince his words in criticising their bitter rivals.

Pannu said: "I got an email from Aston Villa, finally replying to all of our queries. As expected, their legal department said 'now Alex McLeish is a free agent having resigned, we're free to speak to him'. This confirms all suspicions. This shows what has happened.

"Within the first year he (McLeish), or the club who sign him, have to compensate us at £5.4m. The first year expires on June 30. The second year starts July 1, when the compensation fee is £3m.

"The urgency of the whole thing, with this email from Aston Villa, shows they can't even wait 17 days when the compensation is lower. It shows what this is all about.

"Because of this, what option is left to Alex McLeish and his advisers? To make allegations against Carson Yeung, against the board, for interference or whatever excuse to show constructive dismissal.

"I'll be seeking an injunction preventing Villa from hiring him. I'll be reporting what's happened to the Premier League. This is like conspiracy to defraud.

"It's borderline criminal. That's how strong I'll put it.''

McLeish and the regime of owner Carson Yeung has always had the air of an unhappy marriage, and despite being backed publically by the board after relegation McLeish is expected to pursue the case for constructive dismissal against the St Andrew's club.

But news of Randy Lerner's reported interest in McLeish has not gone down with the Villa fans, with some claiming they would not return to Villa Park with McLeish in charge.

© 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