The Birmingham City board have slammed the decision of walkaway coach Alex McLeish to leave the club with a potential move to city rivals Aston Villa firmly on the cards.

Birmingham City were rocked by Sunday's news that coach Alex McLeish had decided to call time as Blues boss with McLeish's resignation coming via email while Birmingham's acting Chairman Peter Pannu was on business in Amsterdam.

Birmingham City were shocked today to get an email from Alex McLeish resigning from his position as Birmingham manager:

A statement on the Birmingham website said:

"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.