"Won't hear a bad word" - Alex McLeish reacts to Birmingham City, Rangers transfer news | OneFootball

The former Blues and Rangers boss has reacted to a transfer saga concerning his old clubs

Former Birmingham City and Rangers boss Alex McLeish has reacted to the transfer saga concerning his former clubs and Connor Goldson.

Despite relegation from the Championship to League One, Birmingham's ambitions under Knighthead have far from perished.

At the beginning of June, Blues announced the appointment of the highly-rated Chris Davies as their replacement for Tony Mowbray, in what is the 39-year-old's first venture into management as the leading man in the dugout.

The Second City outfit have already signalled their intent when it comes to rebuilding a side capable of promotion with the additions of Ryan Allsop and Bailey-Peacock Farrell between the sticks, whilst Marc Leonard and Alfie May are also expected to complete moves from Brighton and Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic.

The aforementioned quartet, alongside the potential addition of Goldson, would give Birmingham a formidable-looking spine at third tier level.

Alex McLeish heaps praise on Connor Goldson amid Birmingham City interest

McLeish knows all about the expectations at both St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park and Ibrox, having managed the Light Blues between 2001 and 2006, before being in charge in B9 between 2007 and 2011, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2009 and a famous EFL Cup upset against Arsenal during his final season in the West Midlands.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun, the 65-year-old has praised Goldson for his achievements for the Scottish giants, and understands exactly why Blues are targeting a defender of his calibre.

He said: “Connor has had a great spell at Rangers and has played for them at the highest level possible, a European final."

“He has immense experience, and he strikes me as the type who will share that experience with others at the club."

“He’s had a wonderful time at Rangers over six years, and has shown everyone what he can do and what he’s capable of," McLeish continued. “You won’t hear a bad word from me about centre-halves! And Connor has certainly done everything that’s been asked of him at Ibrox."

“He’s scored a goal or two, he’s been a threat at set-pieces, and I have always admired his style of play," he added.

The former defender also praised the 31-year-old for the loyalty he's shown to the Rangers fans, as well as handling such pressure.

he stated. “It says a lot about him to have that longevity there."

“There are big demands placed on players at Rangers. It’s among the biggest and most demanding clubs in the world."

“The fans demand victories every single week, but Connor has been aware of that and handled those demands."

The former Birmingham boss concluded: “You’ve got to be a winner to last that length of time at Rangers. Wherever he goes next, whether it’s Birmingham or wherever, that will stand him in good stead.”

Birmingham City's potential competition in the race for Connor Goldson

It was also the Scottish Sun who first declared Blues' interest in the Rangers vice captain, with Davies putting his previous Old Firm allegiances to one side as he moulds a strong squad.

However, Birmingham aren't the only club interested in acquiring Goldson's signature, as former Aston Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is keen on re-uniting with the centre-back at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, although the same report from Football Insider claimed that Phillipe Clement is reluctant to see the 31-year-old leave, despite dropping him late on in the season prior to sustaining a knee problem.

The Wolverhampton-born man was a mainstay in Gerrard's 2020/21 title-winning success at Ibrox, as well as featuring heavily in the run to the UEFA Europa League Final in Seville, where the Gers were defeated on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt.

There's no doubt that a player with the experience and leadership of Goldson's standard is exactly what's required in this Birmingham squad right now, as the club look to right the wrongs of the dismal and chaotic 2022/23 campaign.

The Blues defence came under massive scrutiny despite possessing the likes of Dion Sanderson at its heart, but more bodies are needed after Emanuel Aiwu's loan spell and Marc Roberts' contract came to an end.

However, the estimated £37,000 per week Goldson is said to be earning in Glasgow would be a major sticking point, regardless of the reported £20m budget on fees and wages the Birmingham board are said to be offering their new boss this summer.