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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterAlex McLeish risked his Birmingham City legacy when he swapped St Andrews for Aston Villa in 2011.He had written his name into the history books for the Blues, famously clinching the League Cup that year against Arsenal an achievement that would have pacified many supporters through the clubs subsequent relegation from the Premier League in the same season.But plenty of sympathy will have exited with McLeish, when it became apparent he was heading for Villa Park, to manage Citys fiercest rivals. You may like Ex Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish on 2011 League Cup final glory I got to Manchester at 4.30am after my train was abandoned the trip was worth it to get Scott McTominay to play for Scotland Alex McLeish on his efforts to secure the Napoli stars international allegiance 'My kids couldnt come to the game because of the level of abuse' Russell Martin breaks silence on toxic Rangers spell How Alex McLeish handled crossing the Birmingham divideIt is one thing to manage or play for two clubs either side of a derby during a career, but its another thing to switch directly between the two, mere months after lifting silverware with your former club.McLeish did just that, and took the expected stick with it.Crossing the city was a tough one because, apparently, I was the most hated guy in Birmingham, he tells FourFourTwo now. I never took all that as seriously as perhaps the fans believed.I thought I could go in and prove everybody wrong again. You have that confidence and thats your next mission.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.But it wasnt just Blues fans it angered the Villans faithful were also not best pleased at his appointment, with the entrance to their training ground defaced by their own fans in protest.I ignored the graffiti and stuff that was written about me, McLeish said.I never got a penny to spend at Villa. I was given one simple goal: finish as high as possible without spending money. What to read next 'Sir Alex Ferguson never forgives me' Manchester United legend STILL hasn't buried the hatchet with Premier League icon Sunderland were going places under Roy Keane, but when the results dipped, he was off Phil Bardsley on his former Man United team-mates Black Cats managerial stint Everyone knows about what happened in 2019 with the fans, which I still call a big misunderstanding to this day Granit Xhaka opens up on his Arsenal substitution incident The Scotsman managed to avoid relegation with Villa that season, but thats about it, finishing just above the drop zone.Thankfully, given the heroics he pulled off to clinch that silverware for the Blues, time appears to be healing his reputation.Im still welcomed at Birmingham despite going to Villa, he revealed. Ive been back for a couple of games.Even in London, I was walking down the road and a white van pulled up, a guy wound the window down and said, You gave me the best day of my life in a Brummie accent.I thought, Cheers mate, get all your thousands of pals to say the same.Get VIP Aston Villa tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Aston Villa hospitality elevates the iconic Villa Park atmosphere with premium padded seats and exclusive lounge and restaurant access. Packages typically include fine dining or gourmet options, a complimentary drinks package, and matchday entertainment with Villa legends, plus the official matchday programme, ensuring a luxurious and enhanced matchday experience.View DealTOPICSAston VillaBirmingham CityPremier LeagueIsaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
