Birmingham City Exclusive: We need defenders urgently says Alex McLeish

May 29 2009 By Colin Tattum - our man at the Blues

“But 10 is still the case as far as I’m concerned and the priority just now are a couple of centre-backs and a midfielder – as well as Bowyer – who takes great authority with the football.”

McLeish and his staff will be out again in Europe this weekend checking on potential signings. France and Spain are two of the known destinations.

“Our aim next season is to finish in the top 17,” McLeish continued.

“I’ve not been asked to do that by the board. That’s my immediate ambition, being realistic in terms of the spending power.

“I would prefer to be able to bring in tried and trusted players, players who know their way around the Premier League, who are of a good age.

‘‘But they are very expensive and it’s a case of working within the parameters.

“I suppose the pressure is slightly off due to the point of us not being able to compete with clubs that have much more at their disposal.

“Walter Smith said the same thing with Rangers there the other day.

“Rangers are now in the Champions League. It’s a brilliant benefit to their coffers.

“But Walter knows that the pressure is not there in terms of what they have to do in the Champions League because the expectation level is that they’re not supposed to win it. Getting through the group stages would be fantastic.

“That said, I’m bullish about next season, so are my staff, and we are working hard to get the right players here to Birmingham to help make us as competitive as possible.”