McLeish latest manager to flirt with 'Judas' tag
PARIS — Should Alex McLeish be appointed Aston Villa manager after his controversial departure from bitter city rivals Birmingham he will join a select band of 'traitors', those who have crossed…
PARIS — Should Alex McLeish be appointed Aston Villa manager after his controversial departure from bitter city rivals Birmingham he will join a select band of 'traitors', those who have crossed the divide and managed sides that detest each other.The 52-year-old Scot will have to face down irate Villa fans - some of whom have already made their feelings clear with 'we don't want you bluenose scum' the politest graffiti sprayed at Villa's training ground - and cope with equally strong feelings from disgruntled Birmingham fans who feel betrayed.McLeish, who nevertheless leaves Birmingham having guided them to their first silverware in 48 years in their thrilling win over Arsenal in the League Cup, will not be the first man to do such a thing in England's second city.For Ron Saunders - a man who did not suffer fools gladly - did it in the opposite direction, walking out on a Villa side he had guided to the 1981 league title and who were going well in the European Cup to join a non descript Birmingham side.While Villa went on to win the European Cup that season Saunders battled on in charge of Birmingham seeing them relegated in 1984 before bringing them back up the following season and finally left to take over at West Bromwich Albion.....another bitter local rival.Alan Curbishley was a Birmingham player when Saunders crossed over, and though Saunders has since been given a rousing ovation on rare appearances at Villa Park, it took years for the bitterness to erode."When Ron Saunders went from Villa to Birmingham there was uproar. I can understand the furore that is going to happen if Alex McLeish goes to Villa," he told Sky Sports."I think people outside of the city of Birmingham don't understand the rivalry between the two clubs. It is massive."The high octane rivalry of North London has not been immune from such switches of loyalty.Terry Neill set the tone by managing Spurs before opting for the more promising pastures of Arsenal and while his former club were relegated in 1977 he delivered an FA Cup fina
last modification 2011-06-16 08:00:23
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