Birmingham City takeover: Inside the world of Carson Yeung
“To have somebody who is not a football person and who doesn’t come for training to tell me: ‘He should play and he shouldn’t play’ just doesn’t work.”
Yet associates insist Yeung has a deep love of soccer.
In 2005 he made an £80,000 donation to the local football association after buying shirts worn by famous English footballers at auction.
But the controversial businessman has also been in trouble with the authorities.
In 2004 Yeung was prosecuted by the local financial regulator for failing to disclose his holdings in a company but was only ordered to pay a small fine.
If the Hong Kong entrepreneur does take eventually take control at St Andrew’s, he could be joined by two-time Champions League winner Steve McManaman.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid star is a close friend of Yeung and an executive director of Grandtop International.
During the previous failed takeover attempt it was thought that the winger would become a director of the club. But co-owners David Sullivan, the Gold brothers and managing director Karren Brady reportedly blocked the move.
Prof Cashmore said: “I don’t see the need of Steve McManaman because I think Karren Brady does a brilliant job for the club anyway. Whenever Birmingham City need someone to represent them it’s usually her.
“I remember her leading the campaign for a new stadium a while back. I thought the way she fashioned that bid was excellent.
“Over the years she has gained a lot of experience and she’s learnt a lot about football.
“Unless Yeung thinks he (McManaman) is going to bring something different to the club, then I can’t see the need of having him there.
“But he knows his qualities better than I do.’’
On Friday, Grandtop International said that team manager Alex McLeish would continue in his role, supported by his existing backroom staff, once the takeover went through.
The company also confirmed that Karren Brady would remain in place as managing director under any new administration.
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