Birmingham’s search for a new manager starts today – with former boss Alex McLeish tipped to take over at city rivals Aston Villa.

ALEX McLEISH resigned as manager of Birmingham City yesterday — by email — and was immediately tipped to defect to cross-city rivals Aston Villa.

West Midlands police have vowed to identify and take action against fans who caused the violent scenes at the end of Birmingham’s Carling Cup triumph over Aston Villa last night.

Birmingham are looking for a new first team coach after confirming Roy Aitken has left the club to team up with David O’Leary at United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli.

FORMER Republic of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley will leave Birmingham at the end of the season.

Lee Carsley will leave Birmingham at the end of the season.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie today insisted he will clear his name after being charged with tax evasion, claiming he was on his honeymoon at the time the alleged offence took place.

The co-owner and chief executive of Birmingham City FC will not be prosecuted after a two-year police investigation into suspected tax irregularities, their lawyers said today.

Newly-promoted Birmingham are poised to further strengthen their squad after having an offer accepted for Cardiff defender Roger Johnson.

CRIQUETTE HEAD-MAAREK has a strong family record to defend but is not expecting Full Of Gold to overturn hot favourite New Approach in Saturday’s Emirates Airline Champion Stakes.

Shares in Birmingham City were suspended on the London Stock Exchange today amid a corruption investigation.

Birmingham insist they are “fully committed” to helping the City of London Police inquiry into alleged corruption in English football after managing director Karren Brady and David Sullivan were arrested yesterday.

Birmingham chairman David Gold will consider buying back Carson Yeung’s shares if the prospective takeover of the club by the Hong Kong businessman collapses in the next 48 hours.

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy will return to the Rovers line-up for tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Ewood Park.

Birmingham chairman David Gold has admitted there was “a greater likelihood” the current owners would still be in charge of the midlands club next season.

Birmingham insists at least one of the two squad members who refused to play in the final game of the season is no longer with the club.

Steve Bruce’s future as Birmingham manager should become clearer in a fortnight when he will have a second meeting with the club’s board.

Birmingham have appealed to supporters to be on their best behaviour for the remainder of the season ahead of Sunday’s crunch Barclays Premiership derby at Aston Villa.

Birmingham have today cancelled the contract of striker Dwight Yorke contract by mutual consent after just eight months at the club.

Lancashire Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Birmingham’s Dwight Yorke was racially abused during yesterday’s Barclays Premiership game at Blackburn.

NEWCASTLE could be ready to turn to Terry Venables as Bobby Robson’s replacement.

Newcastle could be ready to turn to Terry Venables as chairman Freddy Shepherd attempts to replace Bobby Robson.

Birmingham have again moved to dismiss speculation linking Steve Bruce with the vacant managerial position at Newcastle.

Birmingham chairman David Gold has warned Newcastle they will face a fight if they want Steve Bruce as Bobby Robson’s successor.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has branded Everton’s bid for midfielder Robbie Savage as “laughable and derisory” although he admitted he feels “badly let down” by the Wales international’s reluctance to sign a new deal at St Andrews.

Mark Bowen has left his post as Birmingham first-team coach.

BIRMINGHAM chairman David Gold has backed manager Steve Bruce to get the very best out of the club’s new record signing Emile Heskey.

Birmingham have vowed to ban for life the supporter who allegedly threw a coin at Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel during Saturday’s Barclaycard Premiership match at St Andrews – if they can identify the culprit.

BIRMINGHAM CITY have released a statement after Clinton Morrison was questioned by police following an incident on Monday evening.

Birmingham have released a statement after Clinton Morrison was questioned by police following an incident on Monday evening.

Steve Bruce has agreed a new five-year deal with Birmingham after keeping the club in the Barclaycard Premiership.