Official: Aston Villa appoint former Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish – EPL news
Aston Villa have officially confirmed the controversial appointment of former Birmingham City manager, Alex McLeish, who will replace Gerard Houllier at the Villa Park.
McLeish resigned from Birmingham City’s managerial post last Sunday and has now taken the charge at Birmingham’s archrivals, Aston Villa.
The Villans were linked with number of managers following the departure of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Houllier, who had to leave the club due to health problems. The former Fulham manager, Mark Hughes, also resigned from his post and the Welshman was tipped to be heavily interested
in taking charge at Villa Park. Moreover, Aston Villa were also heavily linked with former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 national team manager, Steve McCLaren, and Martin Jol.
However, owner Randy Lerner decided to appoint former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314 manager, Alex McLeish, despite heavy protests from the Villan’s fans.
In an official club statement, McLeish said: "I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's. 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.”
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 McLeish also admitted that some Villa fans are against his appointment but he is confident that with his performances he will be able to win the hearts of Villa Park faithful.
McLeish added, “I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success
at the club.”
McLeish, who joined Birmingham City in November 2007, had mixed fortunes with the Blues in the recently concluded 2010/11 season. The former Ranger boss helped Birmingham City win their first piece silverware in 48 years by defeating http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 in the Carling
Cup final. However, McLeish’s side were relegated from the Barclays Premier League at the end of the season.
Tags: