• Premier League

McLeish named as Villa boss

ESPN staff
June 17, 2011
Alex McLeish has been named as the new manager of Aston Villa © PA Photos
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Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Alex McLeish as their new manager.

The former Birmingham boss makes the controversial move to Villa Park just five days after resigning from his post at St Andrew's.

Despite protests from angry supporters, Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner believes McLeish will win the fans over.

"We believe we have appointed the right man for the job," Faulkner said. "Alex's vast experience and proven abilities demonstrate clearly that he is a strong leader and an ambitious man and we are looking forward very much to the exciting new season about to start."

Having won the Carling Cup last season before being relegated with Birmingham, McLeish is delighted to be back in the Premier League and is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead at Villa Park.

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's," McLeish said. "The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter."

McLeish's first game in charge at Villa will be at Fulham on August 13.

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