Sullivan inspired by McLeish passion

The proposed takeover by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung appears to be deadlocked with a December 23 completion deadline fast approaching, but with McLeish managing to pull off a remarkable 3-2 victory at Tottenham in his first match on Sunday, Sullivan feels he and fellow co-owner David Gold have been given a new lease of life at St Andrews.

"We'd like to stay and go forward under Alex McLeish, but we have an agreement with the Chinese that, if they come up with a certain sum of money by a certain date, we'll be gone," said Sullivan.

"I'd genuinely like to stay now because we've got renewed enthusiasm and we hope all the supporters get behind the new manager. He has given us an absolute breath of fresh air.

"I like his work ethos and love the things he said about taking pride in the club and playing football, how lucky players are to be footballers and to make the most of every minute to try and improve. Everything he has said is fabulous to us and exactly what we want to hear."

On the actual takeover Sullivan told Sky Sports News: "I've always said for the last two or three weeks, it's less than 10%.

"I think it won't happen now, but I can't officially say that until December 20th. I'd imagine we'd still be here on December 25."

Former England international Steve McManaman, who has been advising Yeung, has also admitted advances have been slow.

McManaman said: "The takeover is rolling along, but very slowly. I don't think there's much chance of being done by this month's deadline. If anything, it is more likely to be done in February or March from what I have heard.

"I honestly don't know whether that will be too late for David Sullivan and the Gold brothers."