Birmingham City: Barry Ferguson - the big interview

Jul 23 2009 From Colin Tattum in Austria

BARRY Ferguson today told Blues that they had signed somebody who was a winner and would show no fear in the Premier League.

Ferguson, speaking in depth for the first time since his £1.25 million transfer, insisted that he had no axe to grind with Rangers about the manager of his departure.

But he was vehement in his stance on Scotland, saying he wouldn’t be playing for the national team ever again.

Alex McLeish has pinned his faith in the man who was the metronome for him north of the border, for club and country.

And Ferguson said he wouldn’t disappoint.

“It came as a bit of a surprise,” said Ferguson, sitting down at the team hotel ahead of tonight’s match against Augsburg in Westendorf (5pm).

“Obviously things happened at Rangers towards the end of the season, and the club had a bit of a financial problem, so they were looking to get rid of some players.

“There were a few clubs interested but Birmingham came in with an offer first and I was happy to come.

“It’s been better than expected so far. I have settled in really quickly. The guys have made me more than welcome and they are a great bunch.

“It’s always difficult going to a new club but they have made it easier for me, as you can also see with the other new players.

“I am looking forward to working with the manager again. I played under him at Rangers and also for Scotland.

“I know what’s expected of me, he’s told me that.

“It doesn’t matter really who your manager is, but in previous times when I have played under him I have always enjoyed it, the way he has played. So that was one of the major reason for coming.