Aston Villa FC have appointed Alex McLeish as their new manager.

The 52-year-old ex-Scottish international has agreed an undisclosed deal just days after stepping down at Villa's local rivals Birmingham City FC, who he guided to the League Cup last term but could not save from Premier League relegation. The former Motherwell FC, Hibernian FC, Scotland and Rangers FC manager replaces Gérard Houllier, who stepped down at the start of the month following heart problems.

"The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible," said McLeish. "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."