McLeish linked with shock move to Villa as Forest woo McClaren
ASTON VILLA were last night tipped to make a surprise move for Alex McLeish, after the Scot resigned from city rivals Birmingham on a day of managerial upheaval.
McLeish’s departure came as Championship side Nottingham Forest sacked Billy Davies and announced they were in talks with former England manager Steve McClaren.
Birmingham confirmed McLeish (inset) tendered his resignation in an email to acting chairman Peter Pannu, just weeks after the club vowed to stick with him despite relegation. He was immediately installed as one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the vacancy at Villa Park, despite his allegiances to the blue half of Birmingham.
Aston Villa have been searching for a new manager since parting company with Gerard Houllier earlier this month, but were turned down by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez last week. They have also been linked with McClaren, who has rebuilt his career in Holland and Germany since losing the England job in 2007.
Former Middlesbrough boss McClaren looks more likely to end up at the City Ground, however, with Forest yesterday revealing discussions with him as they confirmed the departure of Davies.