Life after Alex..

[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 24 Dec, 2010​

McLeish sacked as Birmingham manager​

Alex McLeish has been relieved of his duties as Birmingham City manager with immediate effect, the club has confirmed on their official website.

Birmingham, who lost 3-2 at home to eighth-placed Tottenham, are currently 18th in the Premier League. Birmingham were 2-0 up against Spurs before Rafael van der Vaart, Niko Kranjcar and Jermain Defoe scored in the last 20 minutes. The hosts were booed off at the end and there were chants of "McLeish out".

A club statement read: "The decision has been taken in the light of the position the club finds itself in the Barclays Premier League at the halfway point of the season. Assistant manager Andy Watson and first-team coach Peter Grant have also decided to terminate their contracts by mutual consent."

"The club are hoping to appoint a new manager before the next match against Manchester United on Wednesday, till then goalkeeping coach David Watson and first-team coach Richard Beale will take charge of the first-team matters."

McLeish is the fourth Premier League manager to lose his job this season and the second in less than a fortnight, following Sam Allardyce's and Chris Hughton's sacking by Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United respectively and Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill resigning.

Sam Allardyce has been made the early favourite to take over at St. Andrews ahead of Trevor Francis, the former Birmingham City player and manager. Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer would seem to be an obvious candidate. Former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is another candidate for the job.

Birmingham City have some tough fixtures ahead. They face Manchester United in the midweek and then Liverpool on new year's day. Then the city derby against Aston Villa on the 4th and then the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Tottenham Hotspur at home.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 24 Dec, 2010​

Contenders to take over at St. Andrews​

With the sacking of Alex McLeish, Birmingham City have just five days before they play their next match against Manchetser United, club president Carson Yeung will need to find a replacement to fill the Scot's shoes.

So SkySports have decided to give him a helping hand. Have a look at our Birmingham managers hit-list and let us know what you think..

1)Sam Allardyce (Unemployed)
Big Sam believes he should be up there with the best of them, but made a hash of his big chance at Newcastle. Although to be fair it has been proved since then that the job on the Tyne is no easy nut to crack. Did a fairly good job with Blackburn.

He may represent an attractive option to Birmingham with the necessary experience and character to ride them through this storm and is currently the favourite for the job.
Likelihood of appointment: 8/10

2)Slaven Bilic(Croatia)
The no nonsense, earring wearing Croatia coach would represent a popular appointment. He knows the Premier League after playing spells with West Ham and Everton, speaks English, has taken an average side to new heights, and is a young man with his best years ahead of him. Also chose to stand in the rain when Steve McClaren infamously whipped out the old brolly during England 2-3 Croatia at Wembley, so he's already well acclimatized to Midlands weather.

However, with no prior club management experience he may be a gamble too far for Birmingham City.
Likelihood of appointment: 5/10

3)Alan Curbishly (Unemployed)
Former Charlton and West Ham man is desperate for and probably destined for a Premier League return, so he could be the right man at the right time to steady the rudderless Villa Park ship. Has bags of experience, and a proven record in England so is a definite front runner.

Did not cover himself in glory when departing West Ham though and his sides are not known for playing the most attractive football, so likely to get a mixed reaction from the fans if appointed.
Likelihood of appointment: 6/10

4)Jurgen Klinsmann (Unemployed)
The laid back German is currently riding the wave of unemployment - and probably a wave off the coast of Malibu beach as well, so while he may be getting the itch to return to the game, a relocation from California to Birmingham may be a sticking point.

Only really successful spell in management came with the German national team, and his short-lived spell at Bayern Munich at club level did not end well. Was at one time sounded out by Tom Hicks and George Gillett about taking the Liverpool job but it came to nothing. Verdict: a fashionable but risky option.
Likelihood of appointment: 5/10

5)Stuart Pearce (England, coach)
The former England defender has Premier League experience with Manchester City and has spent the last two years working under Fabio Capello in the England set-up.

Certainly an outsider but is highly rated by insiders at the FA (not in itself any kind of recommendation) and would surely jump at the chance of a return to top flight club management.
Likelihood of appointment: 3/10

6)Alan Shearer (Unemployed)
Former Necastle and Blackburn great, thoroughly nice chap, unemployed - what's not to like?

On the other hand, his only previous job was a two-month stint at Necastle United, which saw them relegated and he looks pretty comfy sitting on TV.
Likelihood of appointment: 5/10

7)Martin O'Neill (Unemployed)
This would be interesting - and not as unlikely as it sounds either. The Irishman had a very good time with Brum's city rivals Aston Villa but is currently unemployed since the start of the season and would love to return back to Premier League management very quickly.

Has a very good tract record in the Premier League with Aston Villa and would be best possible option for Birmingham City.
Likelihood of appointment: 7/10

8)Trevor Francis (Unemployed)
Former Birmingham great has been heavily tipped to return back to management and to Birmingham for a second spell as the manager at the club. Francis had a glorious playing time at Birmingham and also spent wonderful five-years as their manager.

Would be a fan favourite appointment but looks unlikely as Francis doesnt want to leave his job as a television pundit and return back to management.
Likelihood of appointment: 5/10

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 25 Dec, 2010​

O'Neill rules himself out of running for Birmingham job​

Former Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has ruled himself out of the vacant managerial post at Birmingham City.

The Irishman, who managed the Blues city rivals Aston Villa from 2006-2010, was seen as a leading candidate to return to Midlands following the sacking of Alex McLeish on Friday, but he has now made it clear he has no interest in the job.

"I don't know anything and have had no contact at all from Birmingham City," O'Neill told SkySports. "It doesn't surprise me to see my name in there but I'm not your man, I can definitely say that."

O'Neill's stance makes it even more likely that Sam Allardyce - who is the bookies favourite - will now be offered the job. The former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers manager is keen to get back into management after just eleven days following his sacking at Ewood Park.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 25 Dec, 2010​

Birmingham seize up Ipswich's Roy Keane for vacany​

Ipswich Town are bracing themselves for an approach from Birmingham City for their manager, Roy Keane, amid a growing sense that he is more interested in replacing Alex McLeish rather than staying at Ipswich.

Keane is the new bookmakers' favourite to take charge at the St. Andrews and move from Ipswich to Birmingham even though the 39-year-old has publicly stated that he would not be prepared to leave the objective he is trying to achieve at Portman Road.

The feeling at Birmingham is that Keane is just trying to play a political game in order not to be seen to be campaigning for the move but that he is seriously considering asking his current employers for permission to speak about the vacancy if an official approach was made. Birmingham could offer him a considerable pay rise as well as a larger transfer budget and also the biggest factor of all will be managing a Premier League team.

However, a Ipswich spokesman told BBC Radio: "There has been no discussion about our manager's future and no contact from Birmingham regarding Roy Keane."

Keane had very good three years with Sunderland, guiding them to the Premier League and then helping them to stay in the Premier League. Currently Keane enjoying his time with Ipswich, as the Tractor Boys lie second in the Championship and are one of the favourites for promotion this year. Keane is renowed for making his players discipline on and off the pitch.

Sam Allardyce, sacked by Blackburn Rovers few days ago, also features in Birmingham's thoughts, as do Alan Shearer and Trevor Francis. But the club are likely to make their first move for Keane after Ipswich's championship tie against Coventry tomorrow.

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[JBlues08]

Interesting choice and great stuff as always. Just hope you do not abandon the story, again. Try to finish at least one season.

 

[Zohaib]

Loving it mate , full of surprises I though Alan Shearer was going to take over.

The tension is rising.

Good Work mate.

 

[AbhishekS]

A nice start to story Shan. Your stories have always been a pleasure to read with clean presentation. All the best for this.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 26 Dec, 2010​

Birmingham set to approach Ipswich over Keane​

Birmingham City are set to step up their bid for Roy Keane by making an official approach to Ipswich to speak to the former Manchester United skipper tomorrow.

According to local reports, the Birmingham chairman Carson Yeung is keen to have Keane in place before midweek's match at St Andrews against Manchester United. And after a couple of days of mounting speculation he appears ready to move for a manager who has a very good track record in Championship with Sunderland and now with Ipswich.

Birmingham have refused to comment on speculation regarding a successor to Alex McLeish, although betting on Keane has been suspended by some bookmakers. Ipswich have also kept a low profile – Keane skipped the routine post-match press conference after yesterday's 1-0 win at Coventry

Keane's assistant, Wally Downes, said Keane was catching a plane to Ireland but the non-appearance did nothing to dampen speculation about his future. Keane took over at Ipswich a years ago and saved them from relegation and currently the Tractor Boys are 2nd in the championship, earning praise for his team's discipline style of football.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 26 Dec, 2010​

Keane closer to Birmingham move, as Ipswich confirm talks​

Ipswich have confirmed that Roy Keane has held talks with Birmingham City over the vacant manager's position. Keane looks set to replace Alex McLeish and will tonight meet Ipswich's chairman Marcus Evans to discuss his departure from Portman Road.

Ipswich are understood to be resigned to Keane's departure, but could seek up to ?2m in compensation from the Premier League side. A club statement read: "Ipswich Town Football Club can now confirm that manager Roy Keane has held discussions with Birmingham City FC over the vacant manager's position at St. Andrews.

"Ipswich Town Football Club chairman Marcus Evans will now meet with Keane to discuss his future at Portman Road. This will take place following Keane's return from Ireland tonight. Ipswich Town Football Club will not make any further comment at this time."

Keane is keen to manage a club in the Premier League but Birmingham will seemingly have to come up with more than ?2m in compensation if that is to happen. It is understood that clause was inserted into the his contract when he signed a 12-month extension to his existing two-year deal in the summer.

Birmingham's chairman Carson Yeung installed Roy Keane as the Blues' top target to replace the outgoing Alex McLeish and it appears the ambitious 39-year-old would welcome a move. The Tractor Boys are enjoying a very good season under the former Manchester United skipper as they are second in the Championship and are one of the favourites for promotion to the Premier League this season.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 26 Dec, 2010​

Keane agrees to take Birmingham job after Ipswich give up​

Roy Keane is poised to be confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City in the next 48 hours. The Irishman agreed to move from Ipswich to St. Andrews tonight after he spent the evening discussing terms with Marcus Evans, the chairman at Portman Road. Barring a dramatic about-face on Keane's part, the switch should be finalised shortly.

Keane had met Carson Yeung, Birmingham's chairman, on Sunday in Ireland – where he was celebrating the festive period with his family – to discuss the mooted transfer after receiving reluctant permission to open talks from Evans.

Ipswich said after tonight's discussions that Keane and Evans had agreed "to take a further 24 hours to digest the information shared before making any further announcement". It is likely this reflects an ongoing wrangle over compensation.

Ipswich were powerless to prevent Keane's talks with Birmingham because a clause inserted in the manager's contract last summer freed him to talk to any Premier League club prepared to pay more than ?2m in compensation for his services, although the precise figure must now be settled. Negotiations centred not solely on the 39-year-old former Manchester United midfielder but also on his Ipswich assistant Wally Dawes, who is now expected to join him at St. Andrews. They hope to take charge for the first time for Wednesday's Premier League game at home to Manchester United.

Keane last week briefly deflected attention from Yeung's pursuit by saying he was trying to achieve his objectives at Ipswich Town but he also acknowledged that managing a side in the Premier League would always be hard to say no to. Well aware their manager could command a higher salary and, more importantly, a significantly larger transfer budget at Birmingham, Ipswich officials began bracing themselves for an approach.

Several in the Portman Road boardroom knew that Keane applied for the St. James Park vacancy created by Chris Hughton's sacking just few weeks ago but the job went to Alan Pardew. Keane, was also shortlisted for a post at Birmingham City during his time with Sunderland, which went to Alex McLeish, who was sacked last week. Keane's recent performances with the Tractor Boys has impressed the Birmingham chairman, and the later istalled him as his number one target.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 27 Dec, 2010​

Birmingham and Ipswich to discuss compensation for Keane​

Roy Keane has moved closer to becoming the new Birmingham manager after his current club, Ipswich, confirmed this afternoon that they are to "enter discussions" with the Premier League club over a compensation fee for the 39-year-old.

Keane agreed to move from Portman Road to St. Andrews last night after meeting the Bolton chairman, Carson Yeung, in Ireland on Sunday. Having then met with the Burnley chairman, Marcus Evans, yesterday Keane decided to delay his decision for 24 hours but has now decided to replace Alex McLeish.

"Roy Keane has today reaffirmed his desire to leave Ipswich Town Football Club and join Birmingham City Football Club," read a statement on Ipswich's website. "Ipswich Town will now enter discussions with Birmingham City, due to the fact that compensation between the two parties has yet to be agreed. There will be no further comment at this time."

The compensation sum is expected to be around ?2m. Should talks take place immediately and smoothly then Keane, who took over at Ipswich in 2009 and saved them from releagtion last season and are one of the favourites for promotion to the Premier League, could be in charge for his former club Manchester United's visit to Birmingham on Wednesday.

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 27 Dec, 2010​

Delighted Birmingham welcome Keane, as Ipswich's bitterness grows​

Roy Keane was finally confirmed as the new manager of Birmingham City late this afternoon when the resolution of a compensation wrangle finalised his exit from Ipswich Town.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be back the new manager of Birmingham City and I am looking forward to bring the good times back to St. Andrews," said the former Sunderland and Celtic boss.

With Ipswich Town demanding ?2m for the loss of his services and Birmingham wanting to pay nearer ?750k, lawyers representing the two clubs had some serious negotiating to do as the former midfielder was placed on gardening leave after quitting Portman Road on Monday.

While the eventual compensation deal left him free to start his new job, Keane's debut in Birmingham's dug-out will be as expected against his former club Manchester United at St. Andrews on Wednesday. The 39-year-old was touring his new domain yesterday when he was shown around the St. Andrews Stadium and Birmingham's training ground.

A delighted Carson Yeung, Birmingham's chairman, said: "Roy was our No1 target and we are naturally delighted he has accepted to take over from Alex McLeish. He was an inspirational player who leads by example and is a great motivator. On behalf of everyone at Birmingham I'd like to welcome him."

Unsurprisingly, Keane's departure has left a trail of bitterness at Ipswich. Marcus Evans, their disappointed chairman, clearly feels Keane had his head turned by Yeung's overtures and today suggested that Birmingham's higher budget for salaries and transfers may not prove quite as attractive as it seems. "I told Roy they have some bank debt but we have none," Evans said.

"I think Birmingham can say a lot of tempting things to attract Roy Keane but whether they can deliver on them I think history will tell. But Roy wanted to work with a bigger budget and obviously in the Premier League. Roy's mindset is that he doesn't want to risk staying in the Championship."

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[shantanu_rooney]

Last Updated: 27 Dec, 2010​

Premier League only motivation for Keane​

The greater opportunity to manage a Premier League side was the main motivation behind Roy Keane's decision to leave Ipswich, the Blues' new manager told a press conference this morning.

"This is an unbelievable challenge," Keane said. "But it was a big wrench to leave Portman Road. Of course I am excited but the attachment I feel for Ipswich has made it a difficult decision. Its any manager's dream to manage in the Premier League and its mine to. I had very good time with Ipswich and this year we played very well and are one of the favourites for promotion and I hope that they do win promotion and I face them next year in the Premier League."

Keane said that his only priority was staying in the Premier League. "There's an unbelievable stadium here, and the infrastructure is all in place – the academy and training centre," he said. "Everything is geared for top-flight football and it is my job to ensure it.

"I was never motivated by personal finances myself. If it was about wages I would have taken the job at Celtic in the summer. I poured my heart and soul into Ipswich job and we left no stone unturned to get where we did.

"My motivation is the magnificent challenge. I want to be involved at the highest level and that's the Premier League. As a former Celtic player and coach I turned down that job to stay here. The best individual players are in the Premier League and you want to go and compete against the best in the business. I want Birmingham to play in a manner to win points and entertain the fans at the same time."

Asked whether he would be backing his manager during the January transfer window, the chairman, Carson Yeung, said he would surely do. He paid tribute to Alex McLeish, who was dismissed 3 days ago, and said the club had built a reputation over the past 2 years that was now in the hands of Keane. Yeung said that it took the pair five minutes to make up their minds after meeting Saturday and that no one else had even made it on to Birmingham's shortlist.

Birmingham's style will change, Keane said, but the priority was to avoid relegation before looking to make improvements. Yeung admitted that he was always worried about the fans' reaction but said: "They'll embrace Roy for what he is, a true sportsman. You can't not like this guy. He's sat there because he'll keep us in the Premier League."

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[Zohaib]

Good work mate , like the consistent updates.