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Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish reveals Arsene Wenger & Sir Alex Ferguson were pivotal in Alexander Hleb signing
Top bosses' endorsement vital in work permit hearing...
2 Sep 2010 15:47:00
By Matt Monaghan
Birmingham City have revealed they owe a debt of gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger after they aided the capture of Alexander Hleb.
Hleb, 29, was brought to St Andrew's in a surprise loan move from Barcelona. The deal almost hit a last minute hitch as Belarus' position outside the top 70 in Fifa's world rankings saw him initially denied a work permit.
Speaking to the club's official website, manager Alex McLeish thanked Ferguson and Wenger for their personal endorsements which proved pivotal in permission being granted.
He said: "Both Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger gave us a headed notepaper endorsement of Hleb's quality to play in England.
"I think the panel were pretty positive about it anyway. But we had to make sure the panel were aware that Hleb was always a target and it helps when you have got two top managers endorsing a particular player."
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Hleb, 29, was brought to St Andrew's in a surprise loan move from Barcelona. The deal almost hit a last minute hitch as Belarus' position outside the top 70 in Fifa's world rankings saw him initially denied a work permit.
Speaking to the club's official website, manager Alex McLeish thanked Ferguson and Wenger for their personal endorsements which proved pivotal in permission being granted.
He said: "Both Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger gave us a headed notepaper endorsement of Hleb's quality to play in England.
"I think the panel were pretty positive about it anyway. But we had to make sure the panel were aware that Hleb was always a target and it helps when you have got two top managers endorsing a particular player."
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provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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