When Alex McLeish announced he hoped his contract would soon be tied up, Birmingham fans must have breathed a heavy sigh of relief. That relief however must now be turning into a state of concern as with three days until the season starts, no deal has been done.
The Scottish tactician guided Blues’ to their best ever finish last season and endeared himself to the St Andrews crowds with the 12 game unbeaten run that saw him collect the Manager of the Month award for December.
His importance to Birmingham next season is unquestionable so why is it taking so long?
Perhaps the issue may surround transfer targets as whilst McLeish continues to express a desire to add to his squad, the board may not be willing to fund such activities with Big Eck’s future still up in the air.
Blues fans’ may begin to wonder whether the board are willing to meet McLeish’s wage demands now he has proved his worth as a Premier League manager but it wouldn’t really be too much to ask to increase his pay packet. It is reported that the Blues’ chief earns around £750,000 a year which is pittance in comparison to some managers in the league.
Securing the manager’s future would also send out the right message to any potential recruits, safe in the knowledge they are joining a stable club with ambition in abundance which was typified by their trip to the Far East to promote the club.
Nikola Zigic has revealed that McLeish was a huge part in him joining the club from Valencia and if players of his ilk are to continue to enhance the squad he has to stay put.
“I like the way he works, I am extremely confident in playing for him and as a person I think I will get on well with him,” said the Serbian frontman (Birmingham Mail)
If the contract saga continues to rumble on for whatever reason, other clubs will start to sniff around. Fulham had him on their list of candidates if a deal with former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes could not be struck and he is a 33/1 bet to become the new manager at Villa Park.
The links with other clubs are probably justified considering the length of time between McLeish saying he wanted the contract to be “nailed” before the new season and the stark reality of just how close that time is.