Peter Grant shows his loyalty to Blues

Birmingham first-team coach Peter Grant has shown his loyalty to manager Alex McLeish after snubbing the chance to become Alan Pardew's assistant at Newcastle.

Grant was Pardew's second in command during his spell as West Ham boss but, despite the possibility of a lucrative move to Tyneside, has opted to remain at St Andrew's.

The 45-year-old had also played under Pardew while at Reading, but has resisted the overtures of the new Newcastle manager to concentrate on his role with Blues.

Grant, who had a spell in charge of Norwich three years ago, had previously been out of work after leaving Celtic when Tony Mowbray's turbulent reign at the Glasgow club came to an end.

The Scot was brought to the club in July by McLeish to replace Roy Aitken, who departed Blues to work with David O'Leary at Dubai club Al-Ahli.

Grant is a popular figure with the Blues players, so boss McLeish will be pleased to have kept hold of his man ahead of meeting against Newcastle this weekend.

The fixture has taken on added significance for Blues who will be looking to bounce back from their derby defeat to Wolves.

After Grant turned them down. Pardew promoted former Villa midfielder Steve Stone from the reserves to help with first-team affairs, while he continues his search for a new number two.