David O’Leary surprised with Alex McLeish being appointed by Aston Villa

Alex Mcleish (Pete Mariner)

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David O’Leary has revealed that he was surprised by Alex McLeish crossing the divide by leaving Birmingham City and joining Aston Villa.

The former Villa boss held the reins from 2003 to 2006 before parting ways with the club, after which Randy Lerner completed a takeover and brought in Martin O’Neill.

But the Northern Irishman left last summer after a disagreement with the owner, at which point Gerard Houllier was appointed as boss.

However, the Frenchman stepped down by mutual consent on June 1, with McLeish resigning his post at Brum and filling the vacancy at Villa Park.

The Blues have promised to “vigourously pursue” legal proceedings against the 52-year-old manager, while a section of the Villans having expressed their unhappiness at the appointment.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” O’Leary told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I never thought anybody would cross the city like this. It’s a big, brave step. I hope it goes well because Villa is really a good club.

“The three years I was there it was a great derby – I wouldn’t say hatred but it was a very intense derby and there was always a feeling that it was very hard for players to cross, and the same manager-wise – very seldom it happens.

“The feeling has always been it’s something you never do.

“With Birmingham going down as well I think the fans feel he owes it to them to bring them back up again and to actually walk out on them and then to cross to Villa has caused, from what I’ve read and seen, big hostilities in the city.”

He added: “The big thing Alex will have to do is get a good start. Winning games shuts everybody up and that’s what he’ll be judged on – and he’ll have to do it probably quicker than other managers, who might have a honeymoon period.”