Soccer:Alex McLeish has resigned as manager of Birmingham City. The Scot was in charge as they were relegated from the Premier League last month but also led the Blues to Carling Cup glory.

A statement from the club issued on Sunday afternoon read: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Alex McLeish has resigned as manager.

"Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam.

"No further comment will be made at this moment in time and updates will be released in due course."

The former Scotland boss is now odds-on with the bookies to take charge of Birmingham's local rivals Aston Villa.

McLeish received the public backing of the Birmingham board following the club's last-day relegation from the Premier League on the condition that he achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

However, the former Rangers manager opted to depart St Andrews of his own accord and amid growing speculation that he was prepared to make the short journey to take control of rivals Aston Villa.

The Scot assumed control of first-team affairs at Birmingham in 2007 but was unable to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.

The Blues made an immediate return to the Premier League and completed a 12-game unbeaten run during the 2009/10 season, a club record in the top division.

McLeish would then guide the club to what he called 'his greatest achievement' in February 2011, beating Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley to secure the Carling Cup. Yet a poor run of league form ultimately resulted in the Blues' relegation back into the second tier.