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Birmingham City’s Alex McLeish not bothered by David Gold's comments
Blues boss focused on securing victory...
| Bet: | Returns: | Chelsea £12.50 | Draw £52.00 | Birmingham City £90.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Chelsea £12.50 | Draw £48.00 | Birmingham City £90.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Chelsea £13.00 | Draw £50.00 | Birmingham City £110.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Chelsea £12.90 | Draw £55.00 | Birmingham City £95.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Chelsea £12.50 | Draw £50.00 | Birmingham City £98.00 |
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9 Feb 2010 18:27:00
By Adrian Fisk
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish insists comments made by former owner David Gold will not interfere with preparations for the game against West Ham United on Wednesday night.
Both David Gold and David Sullivan have now taken the reins at Upton Park and the former has been quoted as saying he hopes to see the Londoners "whack" Alex McLeish's men.
The Scot, however, has ignored the banter and remains focused on what he believes will be a tough away fixture against a side desperate for points.
"I understand there's a few comments flying to and fro and it is an interesting game thrown up against the old owners. They need the points more than we do," said McLeish, as quoted by Press Association Sport.
"I've been told what David Gold has said and that's sent shivers down my spine!
"But, listen, the two Davids are in it for West Ham - and they have the quality in the squad, no doubt about it.
"They have some terrific players. The business Zola did in January looks pretty good to me. Ilan made an instant impact, Mido of course, we know him very well. He's a big, strong centre-forward and he will bring a bit of quality to them."
The former Scotland boss believes Gold's comments will no doubt stir the Hammers faithful, but revealed a steadfast confidence in his side.
"Listen, there is nothing like rousing your fans for a game," he continued.
"I'm sure the West Ham fans will stand up to the plate when the chips are down for them. Ultimately I think they will be OK. They have got enough quality.
"But the little sideshows are irrelevant. It's what happens on the field. West Ham will be up for it but we go down there with confidence after a great victory at the weekend."
Having lost just one of their last 15 Premier League matches, Birmingham are only a handful of points from all but guaranteeing top flight football next season. Nevertheless, McLeish stressed the importance of maintaining their current performance levels right through until May.
"I think we're in a good position. The three points at the weekend against Wolves were vital for us. Anyone getting to the 37 mark would virtually stay up," he said.
"But there are 42 points to play for and we want to get as many of them as possible. To go as high up the league as we can go is the vision, the challenge to the players.
"We've got to keep going and not think 'let's down tools and take it easy'.
"Players have got to keep playing every single game at full tilt and defend the reputation they have now got for resilience and for never giving up.
"They have got to defend that reputation right to the last day of the season."
Both David Gold and David Sullivan have now taken the reins at Upton Park and the former has been quoted as saying he hopes to see the Londoners "whack" Alex McLeish's men.
The Scot, however, has ignored the banter and remains focused on what he believes will be a tough away fixture against a side desperate for points.
"I understand there's a few comments flying to and fro and it is an interesting game thrown up against the old owners. They need the points more than we do," said McLeish, as quoted by Press Association Sport.
"I've been told what David Gold has said and that's sent shivers down my spine!
"But, listen, the two Davids are in it for West Ham - and they have the quality in the squad, no doubt about it.
"They have some terrific players. The business Zola did in January looks pretty good to me. Ilan made an instant impact, Mido of course, we know him very well. He's a big, strong centre-forward and he will bring a bit of quality to them."
The former Scotland boss believes Gold's comments will no doubt stir the Hammers faithful, but revealed a steadfast confidence in his side.
"Listen, there is nothing like rousing your fans for a game," he continued.
"I'm sure the West Ham fans will stand up to the plate when the chips are down for them. Ultimately I think they will be OK. They have got enough quality.
"But the little sideshows are irrelevant. It's what happens on the field. West Ham will be up for it but we go down there with confidence after a great victory at the weekend."
Having lost just one of their last 15 Premier League matches, Birmingham are only a handful of points from all but guaranteeing top flight football next season. Nevertheless, McLeish stressed the importance of maintaining their current performance levels right through until May.
"I think we're in a good position. The three points at the weekend against Wolves were vital for us. Anyone getting to the 37 mark would virtually stay up," he said.
"But there are 42 points to play for and we want to get as many of them as possible. To go as high up the league as we can go is the vision, the challenge to the players.
"We've got to keep going and not think 'let's down tools and take it easy'.
"Players have got to keep playing every single game at full tilt and defend the reputation they have now got for resilience and for never giving up.
"They have got to defend that reputation right to the last day of the season."
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