Hughton wins race to boss Birmingham

CHRIS HUGHTON is expected to be confirmed as Birmingham’s new manager in the next 24 hours as the club replaces Alex McLeish at St Andrew’s.

The former Newcastle boss is believed to have edged ahead of Roberto Di Matteo in the battle to take charge of the Blues.

Hughton has been out of football since parting company with Newcastle after a 3-1 defeat at West Brom in early December despite the Magpies being in mid-table in the Premier League in their first year back in the top flight following promotion.