Source: Daily_Mail
Alex McLeish will succed at Aston Villa, says LMA chief Richard Bevan
ShareLeague Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan believes Alex McLeish would be a success as manager of Aston Villa. [LNB] McLeish's surprise resignation from his post as Birmingham manager on Sunday and possible appointment at Villa has sparked tension between the rival clubs. [LNB]Birmingham will demand ?5.4million in compensation from Villa if they try to appoint McLeish, and even plan toseek an injunction to prevent the former Scotland boss making the move.But Bevan believes the former Rangers boss could soon have more offers to consider.[LNB] Not welcome: Some Aston Villa fans will return their season tickets if Alex McLeish is appointed[LNB]'I've spoken to Alex a number of times over recent weeks. I would expect a manager of Alex's reputation, his experience and his success in the time he's been a manager since 1994, when he's out of work to be offered a number of jobs,' Bevan told Sky Sports News. [LNB]'When a manager is out of work he'll look to see which job will suit him. The opportunities don't come around that often. [LNB]'Working in the Barclays Premier League is a goal of coaches and managers all around the world. [LNB]'If he was to go to Aston Villa or any other club I'm sure that somebody of Alex's experience and reputation will succeed, he will deliver and that's what fans are going to want, toget back up the league to where Martin O'Neill had them for three or four years.'[LNB] On the move: McLeish is poised to take the managerial reigns at Aston Villa [LNB]Bevan has called for calm, with McLeish's decision to quit his St Andrew's post sparking anger among Birmingham fans and concern among Villa supporters who fear he may not be the right man for their club, having taken Blues down from the Barclays Premier League last season. [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 THINKBevansaid: 'There are always, particularly with social media, going to be fans who are going to be unhappy about particular moves. [LNB]'If you go back you've got the likes of Ron Saunders who went from Villa to Birmingham and actually on to West Brom, and George Graham who went from Arsenal to Spurs. You can find many examples. [LNB]'Thistime when perhaps people should just calm down a bit, everyone's a little bit fraught, the reality is can the manager whoever that may be, can he deliver results, can he be given time, can he be given the right budget to achieve the goals?'[LNB]Bevan defended McLeish's right to resign by email, suggesting that wascommon practice and saying the LMA have 'no issue with that whatsoever'. [LNB]Meanwhile, Birmingham are still waiting to receive an official approach from Villa to speak to McLeish - before the battle to thrash out a compensation package can get under way in earnest.[LNB]The Blues will be seeking the full ?5.4m due in compensation for the remaining two years of McLeish's contract at the time he quit.[LNB]This figure will be reduced to ?3 million on July 1 but City will demand the amount that was due on the date McLeish ended his three-and-a-half-year reign.[LNB] Strained relationship: Carson Yeung and McLeish's relationship deteriorated last season[LNB]McLeish, who is currently on holiday, is considering a case of constructive dismissal against Blues.[LNB]His relationship with City owner Carson Yeung became increasingly strained last season.[LNB]Such action by McLeish could drag on, as was the case when Martin O'Neill left Villa last August and did not settle the matter for nine months.[LNB]But bringing such a case against Birmingham will not mean Villa can automatically escape paying compensation to their midlands rivals for the remainder of McLeish's contract.[LNB]Any such action taken by McLeish against Birmingham would run alongside any battle between the two clubs over the former Rangers manager.[LNB] Birmingham City and Aston Villa turn nasty over 'traitor' Alex McLeishMcLeish moves a step closer to city switch as Aston Villa seek clarification from BirminghamMcLeish quits by email but furious Blues warn boss not to talk to arch rivals VillaYou'll split the city! Birmingham stunned as McLeish lines up move to Villa [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Martin O'Neill, George Graham, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham, Scotland
