McLeish set for Birmingham
27th November, 2007
Birmingham City look set to confirm Alex McLeish as their new manager after apparently meeting the Scottish FA’s buy-out clause to release him from his Scotland manager role.
The Scottish FA had previously refused Birmingham permission to talk to the in-demand coach after trying to tie him down to a contract that would see him manage the team at the 2010 World Cup. It will be a big blow to the players and supporters, who have seen renewed belief in Scottish football after coming desperately close to qualifying for Euro 2008 in the so-called ‘Group of Death’.
McLeish emerged as one of Birmingham’s top targets soon after Steve Bruce left the club in controversial circumstances last week. The Scot had made it publicly known that he fancied a go at managing in the Premier League, and his wish looks set to be granted.
The World Cup 2010 draw put Scotland in the smallest group with Netherlands, Norway, Macedonia and Iceland. The bookies have mixed feelings about who will finish where in the group, with Norway and Scotland available for a range of odds around 4/1.
