McLeish told job is safe

Brady gives backing to manager

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 6th May 2008

Alex McLeish ITV

McLeish: Will not be sacked

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Birmingham managing director Karren Brady has stated there is 'no way' Alex McLeish will be sacked as manager.

Birmingham looked safe a few weeks ago but they now find themselves in a perilous position after picking up just two points from their last five games.

Blues are currently second bottom in the Premier League and could be relegated on Sunday regardless of whether or not they beat Blackburn.

Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have previously given their backing to McLeish and Brady has now confirmed his job will be safe whatever happens this weekend.

She said: "One thing I'll make clear now, there is no way we are going to sack Alex McLeish.

"Alex McLeish has style - no whingeing or falsehoods in the wake of defeat."

Johnson support

Skipper Damien Johnson agrees that McLeish should be given more time even if the club's relegation is confirmed.

Johnson said: "I think chopping and changing managers isn't the way to go forward - for any team. Nobody is thinking about relegation and Alex's future - and they shouldn't be.

"Alex is definitely different to Steve Bruce but they are both good managers in their own way. Alex needs to be given an opportunity to stamp his mark.

"It was quite difficult for him when he came in. The transfer window was just about to open, he was trying to assess the squad and was working with someone else's budget.

"He was also trying to get his own ideas across and I thought he handled everything well. Alex needs to be given time. It is no good for anybody if things change again."

Birmingham must beat Blackburn on Sunday and hope that either Reading or Fulham drop points in their respective games against Derby and Portsmouth.

Northern Ireland international Johnson added: "I'm sure Alex will love the summer when he can really get his teeth into things seriously. He might think he needs to make wholesale changes, he might not, but I'm sure he will want to do a few things."