ASTON Villa have confirmed the controversial appointment of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish as their new manager.

McLeish makes the move across the city just five days after resigning from his post at St Andrew’s.

Villa have ignored fierce opposition from their own supporters and a bitter row with Blues to bring in the 52-year-old.

McLeish, who won seven trophies at Ramgers and the Carling Cup at Birmingham, accepted he will have to win the doubters over.

He told the club’s website, www.avfc.co.uk: “I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa’s.

“The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter.

“Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned.

“My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.

“I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why.

“It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the club.”