Alex McLeish vowed to win over Aston Villa's supporters on Friday after being confirmed as the Premier League club's new manager following days of angry protests by fans.

Villa confirmed in a statement they had appointed McLeish with immediate effect just five days after the 52-year-old Scot from bitter local rivals Birmingham City, who was expelled last month.

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

"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," he said.

"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."

Villa has not yet confirmed the McLeish contract, but have said the Scot will commence duties immediately.

Birmingham gets angry when it became apparent McLeish was a contender for the vacant house and accused his rivals to operate until the Rangers and former Scotland boss.