Alex McLeish: Birmingham City players not affected by events off the pitch

Apr 11 2008 By Colin Tattum

BLUES players remain focused and are not be affected by the sensational off-field events, Alex McLeish has insisted.

The arrest of Karren Brady and David Sullivan by police investigating corruption in football may have caused a huge stir nationwide, but not that much of a flicker in the dressing room.

And the manager himself backed the Blues supremos to deal with the controversy.

"It won't affect us," said McLeish. "I've not seen anyone walking about worrying what is going to happen.

"It is something for the board to handle and I am sure they will."

Asked if it could help create a siege mentality, often so useful when teams feel up against it, McLeish shrugged.

"I am not sure if it would have an effect at all but if there is a siege mentality, then great. But it is not something I would use in a team talk."

McLeish continued: "It has not been that unusual for things like this to happen in football over the last year or so.

"We have seen other incidents and it just seems to be part of football life at the moment. It seems to be in vogue.

"I am confident Karren and David will be OK out of this.

"I am concentrating on football and that is what everyone on the football side will continue to do. We will totally disregard the administration side of the club and let them go on with that."