Villa go quiet on Alex McLeish link

Villa today refused to comment on speculation that Alex McLeish is in the running to take over as manager after he walked out on Birmingham.

McLeish left everyone at St Andrew's in a state of shock after resigning by e-mail yesterday and he has been installed by bookmakers as the favourite to replace Gerard Houllier as Villa boss.

The possible appointment of McLeish has already sent internet message boards into meltdow,n with fans from both sides exchanging heated discussions over a move which would rock Midlands football.

Villa fans in particular seem irate at the possibility of a manager who has overseen the relegation of their bitter rivals on two occasions being appointed boss.

It would also be seen as a change in approach from the Villa board, who had gone cold on the idea of appointing former England manager Steve McClaren because of fears of a supporter backlash.

Similarly, they distanced themselves from Mark Hughes because of the controversial nature of his departure from Fulham.

After Villa's pursuit of Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was played out in the public eye, the claret and blues are now refusing to give any indication as to whether McLeish is one of those names under consideration for the job.

But Blues acting chairman Peter Pannu revealed they are preparing to take legal action over his resignation.

Pannu said: "He is still our contracted staff and Birmingham City does not grant him any right to speak to any outsiders until the matter is resolved.

"I will be meeting my legal team tomorrow and rest assured I will leave no stones unturned.

"It's about time some discipline is instilled into this game and I am unfortunately not a person who gets pushed about."

Pannu, who may now turn to Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill as a replacement, received McLeish's e-mail while he was in Holland concluding a free transfer for PSV Eindhoven striker Danny Koevermans.

He said:"To get an e-mail when I am on business in Amsterdam speaks volumes.

"We have spent £40million and supported him all the way and what we get is a relegation and a snub."