McLeish denies Espinoza dispute

McLeish happy with Espinoza deal

I'm dismayed by claims suggesting I am not happy with the signing of Espinoza.

Alex McLeish
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Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has denied a fall-out with the club's board over the signing of Giovanny Espinoza.

It has been suggested McLeish had turned down the chance to sign the 32-year-old Ecuadorian defender only for the player's representatives to contact the club directly.

However, McLeish has denied he is unhappy with the signing of Espinoza and says the budget signing is a good acquisition for the newly-promoted club.

While McLeish concedes Espinoza is lacking somewhat in terms of experience of English football, he believes the veteran stopper will provide good competition for places in his squad.

Dismayed

"The board have given me great backing so far so I'm dismayed by claims suggesting I am not happy with the signing of Espinoza," he told the club's official website.

"The Espinoza deal made good financial sense for the club and although he's a rookie in English terms, he has vast international experience and it will be up to the centre backs to compete as I attempt to build a solid spine.

"There are absolutely no problems with the board, I'm happy with all the signings and happy with the support I've had from them and to suggest otherwise is ridiculous.

"I am also thankful that the board have indicated they will support me further before the season begins as we build the club for the Premier League."