Alex McLeish wants to win over Aston Villa fans

Alex McLeish today sealed his sensational switch to Villa – and admitted his first job is to win over furious fans.

The former Birmingham boss completed his controversial move across the Second City, despite supporters' opposition.

Around 1,000 fans demonstrated against his appointment at Villa Park this week with 17,786 protesting on the Facebook page 'we don't want Alex McLeish.'

The ex-Scotland manager quit St Andrew's on Sunday and caused a major storm – with Blues initially alleging Villa tapped him up.

Villa rejected the claim, insisting McLeish was a free agent, and he has now penned a three-year deal.

But McLeish is fully aware he must convince angry fans he's their man.

He said: "I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why.

"It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the club.

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's.

"The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter.

"Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned.

"My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa."

McLeish had been locked in talks with owner Randy Lerner this week and put the finishing touches to a £2million-a-season package to replace Gerard Houllier last night.

Blues are still seeking compensation and originally demanded £5.4million under the terms of McLeish's exit clause.

Reports of a £2million package being agreed are incorrect, with the clubs likely to settle closer to £3million.

But, despite the controversy, Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner insisted McLeish is the best choice.

Faulkner said: "We believe we have appointed the right man for the job. Unquestionably, Alex meets the criteria we set out at the beginning of our search.

"It was based on proven Premier League experience, leadership, a hard-working ethic and, most importantly, a shared vision for Aston Villa."