Hughton set to be unveiled at Birmingham after beating Di Matteo to manager's job

Birmingham are set to unveil Chris Hughton as their new manager.

The former Newcastle boss will replace Alex McLeish, who controversially quit last week and has since been installed at Second City rivals Aston Villa.

The St Andrew's board have opted for Hughton ahead of ex-West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo, who was his main rival for the post.

Hughton, 52, has been seeking a return to management since he was surprisingly dismissed by Newcastle in December last year.

Following two stints as caretaker boss at St James' Park, he took permanent charge in November 2009 and within five months had secured the Geordies' promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

But six months ago, despite Newcastle sitting a healthy 11th in the table, he was axed and later replaced by Alan Pardew.

Hughton's success in steering the Magpies back to the big time as Championship winners has clearly impressed Birmingham's owners, who will be expecting their new manager to do the same again on their behalf.

The new man will be bring in his own staff, which could mean teaming up again with former Newcastle assistant Colin Calderwood, boss of SPL side Hibernian.

But Championship rivals Nottingham Forest are also on the trail of Calderwood, new boss Steve McClaren confirming he was the man he wanted as his second-in-command at the City Ground.

its great news well done chrissy.

I have nothing but respect for the man, here's wishing him all the best and hopefully he'l win promotion again, I'm sure he'll get one hell of a warm welcome at SJP (from the fans anyway lol)

It'll be nice to see the bloke back amongst it and hopefully proving himself and going from strength to strength with his Managerial CV.

chriss has got the job well done chrissy.

think good things will happen for them with Hughton in charge

well done chris

Monstro wrote:I have nothing but respect for the man, here's wishing him all the best and hopefully he'l win promotion again, I'm sure he'll get one hell of a warm welcome at SJP (from the fans anyway lol)

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I'll be following their results next season, really hope they bounce back up, they could've done a lot worse manager wise, howay the blues!!!!!!!!!