Is McLeish Randy Lerner's Plan B

McLeish leaves City job

Aston Villa owner, Randy Lerner, was hoping to resolve the managerial vacancy at the club within a week or so of his arrival from the US last Tuesday, which following the decision of Roberto Martinez to remain at Wigan,  started to look unlikely - especially having also ruled out other possiblities such as Steve McClaren, Rafa Benitez and Mark Hughes.

Until, Sunday that was, when the news came from across the city that  Alex McLeish has resigned as manager of Birmingham City. 

A statement from the club issued on Sunday afternoon read: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Alex McLeish has resigned as manager.

"Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam.

"No further comment will be made at this moment in time and updates will be released in due course."

The former Scotland boss is now odds-on with the bookies to take charge of Birmingham's local rivals Aston Villa.

McLeish received the public backing of the Birmingham board following the club's last-day relegation from the Premier League on the condition that he achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

However, the former Rangers manager opted to depart St Andrews of his own accord and amid growing speculation that he was prepared to make the short journey to take control of rivals Aston Villa.

The Scot assumed control of first-team affairs at Birmingham in 2007 but was unable to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.

The Blues made an immediate return to the Premier League and completed a 12-game unbeaten run during the 2009/10 season, a club record in the top division.

McLeish would then guide the club to what he called 'his greatest achievement' in February 2011, beating Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley to secure the Carling Cup. Yet a poor run of league form ultimately resulted in the Blues' relegation back into the second tier.

The finances at Aston Villa are such that there is a need to foster talent from within, rather than the transfer window, which would have been the appeal of Gerard Houllier, when Lerner appointed him following the departure of Martin O'Neill last year. 

It could be that McLeish would be willing to drive a few miles further to Villa park, and remain in the Barclay's Premier League, even if the job comes with a limited budget.

Lerner Still Searching for Villa Boss

Martinez sticks with Wigan Chairman Whelan

Roberto Martinez feels he owed it to the Wigan club and the chairman Dave Whelan to reject overtures from Aston Villa and the Spaniard has turned down the chance to succeed Gerard Houllier at Villa Park.

Martinez, who took charge at the DW Stadium two years ago, has now been offered a pay rise and a new three-year contract by Whelan.

Whelan stood by Martinez when the club flirted with relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season - escaping the drop only on the final day - and the 37-year-old wants to repay that faith. Martinez said: "Over the last two years the chairman has been very supportive to me and loyal, and now I feel I need to be loyal and supportive back to him."

He added: "I haven't finished my job at Wigan Athletic - there is much work still to be done.

"I don't know how long that will take but such is the belief that I have always had that I would only ever decide to move once the club is ready for a new manager."

Whelan told Sky Sports News: "Roberto is staying, that is the great news. I had a gut feeling that he wanted to stay at Wigan.

"He is signing a new three-year contract and obviously we have had to give him an increase in basic salary and incentives. But money has not been what this has been about.

"Villa will be disappointed but I am over the moon and I am sure every Wigan supporter will join me in saying it is fantastic and we're so pleased to have Roberto.

"I don't think we were really close to losing him but he has to consider his future, he is in football.

"He is going places, we all know that. Aston Villa are a bigger club and when you get a club like that wanting your services, it is something to be proud of. I would never have blamed him if he'd gone and would have wished him the best of luck.

The Aston Villa owner, Randy Lerner, faces more searching now that Martinez has made his decision, which follows reports that Rafa Benitez and Steve McClaren were reported to be no longer on the frame.

In a statement of their website the Aston Villa said; "The club would like to thank Wigan Athletic Football Club and its chairman, Dave Whelan, for their professionalism in dealing with our request to speak to Roberto Martinez," a statement from Villa on their official website read.

Qualities

"We have not met Roberto and we have not had the opportunity to discuss the vacant managerial role with him." 

"Roberto's qualities as young and aspirational manager ensured him of a position high on our short list of potential new managers.

"Given that he had one year remaining on his contract at Wigan, we made an official approach through the proper channels, though we were aware of a commitment he had made to his club to agree and sign a new contract following the final game of last season.

"Roberto met with his chairman earlier this week and he has made the decision to honour his commitment to Wigan.

"Therefore, we have not met Roberto and we have not had the opportunity to discuss the vacant managerial role with him.

"We remain focused and are working hard to secure the best candidate for Aston Villa who will complement the club's commitment to be true to our heritage competitiveness and passionate fan base and will have the new manager in place to prepare the players for the pre-season programme and next season's campaign."

The former Fulham boss, Mark Hughes, has yet to confirm a move but was said not to be in the frame for the Villa Park spot.

The other names that have been reported as possible targets are David Moyes of Everton and Bolton boss, Owen Coyle.

Moyes has been at Everton since 2002 and in recent days was waiting for the budget to be confirmed for the new season to see if he could strengthen the squad.