Hughton lands Blues job

Chris Hughton has been appointed as Birmingham's new manager - just 10 days after Alex McLeish resigned to take charge of Aston Villa.

Former Newcastle boss Hughton was confirmed by the midlands club as McLeish's replacement on Wednesday.

Hughton edged ahead of Roberto Di Matteo in the battle to take charge of the Carling Cup holders.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed that Hughton will take charge of the Blues immediately and they will be hoping he can repeat his achievement at Newcastle in steering them to promotion from the Championship two years ago.

Hughton has been out of football since parting company with the Magpies after a 3-1 defeat at West Brom in early December.

But he has impressed Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu when being interviewed during the past few days.

Di Matteo, sacked as West Brom head coach in February, was the other major candidate.

City's Hong-King based owner, Carson Yeung, ratified Hughton's arrival at St Andrew's.

Hughton said: "I am absolutely delighted. To be joining a club of the stature of Birmingham City, with the history it has, is a pleasure. I'm really looking forward to getting to work

"For as long as I have been in football the name Birmingham City has been right up there and it is what I regard as a real football club with extremely passionate supporters."