Lawyer: Birmingham can block McLeish move for months

Birmingham may be able to put a block Alex McLeish joining Aston Villa as their new manager for up to three months, according to an expert in football law.

McLeish has resigned as Birmingham manager and Villa have already sounded out their city rivals to see what the Scot’s current status is.

The Blues would want more than £5m in compensation but it has also been suggested they could place McLeish on gardening leave to stop him joining Villa.

FA-registered lawyer Katie Simmonds says Birmingham may be able to place McLeish on gardening leave for two or three months and effectively stop him joining another club during that time depending on the terms of his contract.

Simmonds, a solicitor with FrontRow Legal in Leeds, said: “This is a very controversial dispute, made more so by the rivalry between Aston Villa and Birmingham.

“If Alex McLeish has a notice period of two to three months, as most contracts do, then Birmingham could place him on gardening leave for that time.

“What that would basically do is mean McLeish would have to stay away from working during that time, so long as it is a reasonable notice period.

“That would effectively prevent him joining another club in that time.

“If it took that long then I don’t believe Aston Villa would want him.

“Birmingham’s other option is to allow Aston Villa to talk to him on the basis that they will pay compensation if he becomes their next manager.”