McManaman returns to football

Former England and Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has been appointed to the board of the company buying into Barclays Premier League newcomers Birmingham.

The 35-year-old will take on a role of executive director with Grandtop International to offer advice after they take up their 29.9% stake in the club.

Blues directors David and Ralph Gold, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and Roger Bannister last week agreed to sell shares worth around £16m to the company owned by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung.

McManaman told the South China Morning Post: “They know my expertise in sport in England and in particular football. I know a lot of people in the sport and I have a lot of contacts.

“I will help out and give ideas as a friend as the people involved in the company are very good friends of mine and hopefully we can have exciting times in the future.”

McManaman, who also won the Champions League with Real Madrid and earned 29 England caps, is reported to have helped Yeung set up the deal with Birmingham.

Yeung will become the club’s largest shareholder but will not have total control at St Andrews.

McManaman has been out of football since retiring at the end of a stint with Manchester City in 2005.

He is planning to work as a media pundit during the coming season.