Soccer: Aston Villa have confirmed the controversial appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish as their new manager. The Scot makes the move across the city just five days after resigning from his post at St Andrew's.
Villa have pressed ahead with the appointment of the 52-year-old despite a backlash from supporters and a row with Blues.
"I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's," McLeish told the club's website, www.avfc.co.uk. "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.
"Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.
"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."
Villa have not yet confirmed the length of McLeish's contract but have said the Scot will commence duties immediately, underlining their confidence there are no lingering issues concerning Birmingham.
Blues were angered when it became apparent McLeish was a contender for the Villa vacancy and accused their rivals of tapping up the former Rangers and Scotland boss.
They also demanded €6.1 million in compensation to cover the remaining two years of his contract but threats to report Villa to the Premier League or take out an injunction to block the move were not carried out.
Villa, who switched their attention to McLeish after being snubbed by Wigan's Roberto Martinez last week, understood McLeish to be a free agent.
McLeish becomes Villa's third full-time manager in nine months and the club need him to restore stability after a difficult season.
Martin O'Neill resigned just five days before the 2010-11 campaign began and his successor Gerard Houllier made a number of PR gaffes before leaving after a health scare.
