Soccer:Aston Villa have revealed their intention to interview Alex McLeish "imminently" regarding their vacant managerial position. The club is pushing ahead with plans to talk to the Scot as they believe he is a "free agent" following his decision to resign as Birmingham boss.
The club also insists the "high emotions" surrounding the possible appointment of McLeish because of his spell at City will not deter them if they feel he is the right candidate.
Villa said in a statement: "The club has been reluctant to elaborate publicly on our search for a new manager and, in particular, to confirm or deny our interest in specific candidates.
"This is not a new policy, indeed it is the approach that we have taken both in regard to managerial prospects, and potential player signings. The club understands that Alex McLeish is a free agent. We therefore intend to interview him imminently in order to make a decision regarding his candidacy to become Villa manager.
"From the beginning of our search, we have set out criteria based on proven Premier League experience, compelling leadership, an ethic for hard work and, most importantly, sharing our vision for Aston Villa. We know that without a shared vision any appointment, however attractive, will ultimately fail."
The statement added: "Since 2006 we have approached our custodianship of Villa based on a broad-based strategy of significant investment to improve the squad, the training ground and Villa Park.
"We feel it is essential to select a manager who understands and supports our strategy for the club to grow and to be sustainable. Otherwise, the natural tensions and competitive pressures that are involved with every season will ultimately cause instability and make continuity impossible.
"We would, however, like to emphasise that in deciding to interview Alex McLeish, the board has taken his tenure at our local rivals and the strong emotions associated with this very seriously. We are determined, still, not to allow that three and a half year post to disqualify him should he be the best candidate for the role of Aston Villa manager."
Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has said he will seek around €6.1 million compensation if McLeish moves to Aston Villa.
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan has claimed McLeish's job at Birmingham was "untenable". because of "aggressive and seriously undermining communications".
Bevan told Press Association Sport: "Alex decided he had to resign as there had been serious issues for some time between him and the board at Birmingham.
"The LMA recognise it is often very difficult for clubs and chairmen, especially with the financial pressures and 24/7 media coverage. However, it is very disappointing that some clubs don't follow normal principles of employment law - which can undermine the game, the club and even the community the club is based in.
"Mr Pannu, a senior member of the board, has put into the public domain confidential information contained in Alex's contract. This is without doubt a breach of confidence.
"It is disappointing that Alex appears to have been criticised for sending his formal resignation letter by e-mail, particularly given that one of the issues Alex resigned over was Mr Pannu's sacking of Alex's chief scout, who learned that he was to be dismissed when he was copied in on an e-mail from Mr Pannu to one of the club's officials.
"There were other issues as well, including not being properly consulted on player transfers, and making a number of aggressive and seriously undermining communications, which ultimately made his position untenable."
Pannu spent Monday talking to lawyers about their strategy and there has been a suggestion they will try to place McLeish on gardening leave. He still had two-and-a-half years left on his contract when he resigned.
Pannu said: "I got an email from Aston Villa, finally replying to all of our queries. As expected, their legal department said 'now Alex McLeish is a free agent having resigned, we're free to speak to him'. This confirms all suspicions. This shows what has happened.
"Within the first year he (McLeish), or the club who sign him, have to compensate us at €6.1 million. The first year expires on June 30th. The second year starts July 1st, when the compensation fee is €3.4 million. The urgency of the whole thing, with this email from Aston Villa, shows they can't even wait 17 days when the compensation is lower. It shows what this is all about.
"Because of this, what option is left to Alex McLeish and his advisers? To make allegations against Carson Yeung, against the board, for interference or whatever excuse to show constructive dismissal.
"I'll be seeking an injunction preventing Villa from hiring him. I'll be reporting what's happened to the Premier League. This is like conspiracy to defraud. It's borderline criminal. That's how strong I'll put it."
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