McLeish will be poached by a bigger club, warns Jerome

Cameron Jerome fears bigger clubs will poach Birmingham boss Alex McLeish unless the Scot pens his new contract.

McLeish, 51, is close to signing a new three-year deal at St Andrews which will almost double his £1million-a-year salary.

The pay-rise is a reward for steering the promoted club to ninth last season.

City are also unbeaten this term after a goalless draw at home to Liverpool, who considered McLeish as a possible successor to Rafa Benitez.

Jerome said: "We have started strongly again this year and he is an up and coming manager.

"That's why the likes of Liverpool and other teams will come knocking when they are looking for a manager because he has proven his worth.

"We want him to stay and think he will stay.

"His contract has been on-going for a while now and I am sure it will be put to bed soon.

"I think he has done a magnificent job since he has been here.

"Last season was his first full season in the Premier League as when he came we were halfway through a campaign.

"You have to give him credit for last season and the way he has brought Birmingham on on a shoestring budget and pushed us into mid-table."

City's form this term shows no evidence of so-called 'second season syndrome'.

Jerome added: "The mentality of the team is we don't get complacent and rest on our laurels.

"We didn't think we finished last ninth season and we could relax because the hard work has just started.

"It is about earning your Premier League status again to have some stability at the football club."