Alex McLeish hailed Birmingham’s Carling Cup success over Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday as his “greatest achievement” as a manager.<\/p>\n
McLeish enjoyed plenty of success north of the border with Rangers when he was part of a two-horse race for trophies with Celtic.<\/p>\n
But he helped Blues overcome their tag as underdogs to topple Arsene Wenger’s side.<\/p>\n
Substitute Obafemi Martins scored the last-gasp winner after Robin van Persie had cancelled out Nikola Zigic’s opener.<\/p>\n
McLeish said: “Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement.<\/p>\n
“With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to win trophies, even though it is difficult against Celtic.<\/p>\n
“To come to England and for a club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal is a dream come true.<\/p>\n
“It is especially so for the fans who have had a long wait, those long-suffering Blues fans.<\/p>\n
“No one gave us a prayer, we were underdogs. But sometimes the bookies don’t get it right.<\/p>\n
“After the goal I really did have the vision of the cup in my hands.”<\/p>\n
It was a perfect day for Birmingham owner Carson Yeung, who was celebrating his 51st birthday.<\/p>\n
McLeish said: “It’s a fantastic birthday present for Carson. He must think it’s easy being an owner of a football club – we finish ninth in the Premier League and then win the Carling Cup – but he has been supportive.”<\/p>\n
McLeish admits Birmingham have no major celebrations planned until after next weekend’s league clash with West Brom, with a civic reception provisionally arranged for next Sunday.<\/p>\n
He said: “We didn’t plan anything. We have reserved next weekend, the day after the West Brom game, for celebrations.<\/p>\n
“The West Brom game is another cup final.”<\/p>\n
Birmingham keeper Ben Foster repeated his 2009 achievement with Manchester United against Tottenham in being voted the man of the match for the final.<\/p>\n
Foster pulled off a string of superb saves to help Blues triumph.<\/p>\n
He said: “We kept plugging away and got what I think we deserved. It was a fantastic result.<\/p>\n
“Going into games like this with United, it is expected you will be winning trophies and winning matches.<\/p>\n
“But, with a team like Birmingham, it is against all odds and we are not expected to win.<\/p>\n
“It is just a great achievement to get here, and to actually win it against a quality side like Arsenal is amazing.”<\/p>\n
City can now look forward to attempting to qualify for the Europa League via next summer’s qualifying rounds.<\/p>\n
Foster said: “When I signed, I was just relieved to be playing first-team football.<\/p>\n
“It has gone from strength to strength for me. I am delighted to be playing with a team like Birmingham. The team spirit is amazing.<\/p>\n
“Europe is something to look forward to next year but we just need to kick on and get a few more wins in the league.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Read more here:
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