McLeish pride in relegated Blues

Birmingham boss hopes for immediate top-flight return

By Laura Slatcher   Last updated: 11th May 2008

McLeish pride in relegated Blues

McLeish: Relegated

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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish revealed he was proud of his side despite their relegation from the Premier League on Saturday.

The Blues' 4-1 win over Blackburn at St Andrews equalled their biggest win of the season but was not enough to ensure their top flight safety.

McLeish believes his side gave everything in the game but concedes they had no control over their fate after Fulham ensured their survival with a win at Portsmouth.

"I was looking for a really strong performance and we got that," McLeish told Sky Sports.

Proud

"I'm disappointed obviously that other results didn't go our way but we had no control over that.

"It was a pleasing performance today and we did all we could. I said to the players that if we lose a goal it doesn't mean you can't win.

"They took that on board before the game and at half time. I'm proud of the players with what they've done.

"They've punched above their weight a lot of times this season. It's over 38 games and we didn't quite make it.

"Congratulations to Roy (Hodgson). They (Fulham) definitely had the consistency we didn't have towards the end."

Challenge

Birmingham return to the Championship for the second time in three years but McLeish is confident that the side can make an immediate return to the Premier League.

"We'll get cracking on the Championship," added McLeish. "The actual Championship itself, the competition this season has been amazing.

"There's no reason why we can't come back up. If we get good investment from the power of the co-owners then we can go the whole hog next season.

"We know we face a fantastic challenge with the quality in the Championship but we now know it's not impossible for us to be in the Premier League."