Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa ignore fans to choose McLeish
ShareAlex McLeish is on the brink of being confirmed as the controversial choice of manager at Aston Villa.[LNB]After spending Wednesday night thrashing out the final details of his deal, the former Birmingham manager is ready to take over.[LNB]And late on Thursday reports suggested that Villa had agreed to pay Birmingham compensation in the region of ?2million, around ?3m less than the Blues had wanted.[LNB] Uproar: Aston Villa supporters protest against McLeish on the steps outside Villa Park on Wednesday[LNB] Are you watching? Villa fans make their point at Villa Park on Sunday[LNB] Getting shirty: A Villa fans delivers a clear message to McLeish[LNB]It comes despite a huge backlash fromVilla fans who are furious at the move for the man who took their arch rivals down last season.[LNB]Huge numbers of fans gathered outsideVilla Park on Wednesday to protest against the appointment., while over17,000 have signed up to a Facebook group against the deal.[LNB]McLeish cut short a holiday in Sardinia to meet chairman Randy Lerner in London on Wednesday in the hope of coming to an agreement on Thursday. [LNB]Some Villa supporters continue to find the idea of appointing McLeish unpalatable because of his previous allegiance to Birmingham City. [LNB]The Scot resigned from Villa's rivals onSunday with two years left on his contract and either he or Villa are still likely to be pursued for compensation, which has been put at ?5.4million by his former club. [LNB]McLeish is counter-claiming constructive dismissal with the backing of the League Managers Association. [LNB]Significantly, however, City have distanced themselves from a threat to report Villa to the Premier League for tapping up. [LNB] Making their point: Villa fans have taken action on Facebook to oppose the appointment of McLeish[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Should McLeish dare cross the Birmingham divide?Alex McLeish has been warned he will face legal action if he makes an acrimonious switch to boss arch-rivals Aston Villa after he resigned from relegated Birmingham City via email on Sunday. Hero or villain? Should he dare cross the bitter divide? Have your say...TELL US WHAT YOU THINKActing chairman Peter Pannu has been told by legal advisers that firm evidence has to accompany such an accusation. [LNB]It is another hurdle that has been cleared as far as Lerner is concerned, leaving supporter unrest as the only serious barrier to confirming McLeish as Gerard Houllier's successor. [LNB]Graffiti was daubed at Villa's training ground overnight on Tuesday and several hundred fans vented their feelings at Villa Park last night. [LNB]However, their protests will fall on deaf ears. Having bowed to the groundswell of opinion over Steve McClaren last week, Lerner is determined to appoint McLeish.[LNB] One protester, Chris Hearn, who had 'No McLeish' printed on his shirt, said 'Our board has bankrupted Aston Villa's credibility. [LNB]'They aren't listening to us, but they'll notice when the team is playing in front of a half-empty stadium.' [LNB]Another protester, Brian Johnson, said: 'I'll be totally disgruntled if they appoint McLeish.[LNB] 'The board got it wrong with Houllier so they needed to get this one right, and I don't think they have.' [LNB]Despite the unrest, former Villa boss Ron Atkinson believes McLeish could win over supporters with a couple of major signings and by keeping hold of reported Liverpool target Stewart Downing. [LNB]Atkinson said: 'You've got to admireAlex's courage for wanting it and for taking it on. But now he has to meet the hostility head on. [LNB] Loud and clear: Villa fans left the messages at Bodymoor Heath [LNB] [LNB] 'He can't be a shrinking violet. He has to get out there and meet the Villa fans and tell them why he he has come to the job. [LNB] 'Ashley Young is off to Manchester United but he could win favour by saying that no-one else leaves and he'll have to say "you're not going" to Stewart Downing.[LNB] 'Also, nothing wins fans over more than a couple of bold, exciting signings. That will do wonders for his standing.' [LNB] Is that the way to Villa Park? McLeish is set to be appointed as Aston Villa's new manager after holding talks with Lerner [LNB] Former Birmingham boss McLeish set to make Villa move despite fans furore 'Bluenose scum not welcome!' Villa fans' backlash against McLeish hits new heightsIt's a tap up! Birmingham City tell McLeish they will put him in limbo over Villa moveAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinionAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Ashley Young, Alex McLeish, Stewart Downing, Gerard Houllier, Steve McClaren Places: Birmingham, Liverpool, London
