First team coach Roy Aitken has left Birmingham to rejoin former boss David O'Leary at Al Ahli.
Birmingham first team coach reunited with O'Leary at Al Ahli
Birmingham first team coach Roy Aitken has left the Blues to rejoin former boss David O'Leary at United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli.
Aitken, 51, previously worked under O'Leary at both Leeds United and Aston Villa.
He then teamed up with Alex McLeish first at Scotland and then worked with him and the club's other first team coach, Andy Watson, at St Andrews from November 2007.
McLeish is sorry to see him go but understands his reasons for leaving.
The Blues boss told the club's
official website: "Naturally I am very disappointed to lose an extremely valued member of Birmingham City Football Club. He is respected by everyone at the club.
"I have got a great relationship with Roy and he is well liked and respected by the players.
Couldn't refuse
"But he has received an offer that he couldn't refuse and I totally understand the decision he has made for himself and his family.
"Roy goes with my thanks and blessings. He is not just someone I've worked with for some time now but also an extremely good friend and I wish him all the best in his new challenge."
McLeish added: "Because of his experience and personality, there can be no doubting this leaves a bit of a void but it is one we will work hard to fill as soon as possible.
"The new owners of this football club have given me great and ongoing support in terms of improving the infrastructure and I'm sure they'll assist in helping find a suitable replacement for Roy."
City's acting club chairman Peter Pannu added: "I was only informed about this today but will sit down with the manager (McLeish), Roy (Aitken) and the receiving club as soon as possible to discuss all relevant contractual matters and how we take things forward."
