Down to Wast Hills today for a media gathering, Alex McLeish providing the up-dates.

Eck came back off his holiday at the end of last week and says he cannot wait to get onto the training pitches again.

He's delighted with the transfers completed so far - 'I think there's been some good business done' - and says there's more to come.

From what we could tell, he still had his own office; it hadn't been annexed by the board so they could bring in 'their' players as they see fit . . .

On that subject, McLeish continually made references to the support he has had from the directors, and he spoke as if he was happy to have Giovanny Espinoza.

Revelations that he hadn't been able to see either Espinoza or Christian Benitez 'in the flesh' raised an eyebrow or two. Then again, it's not that uncommon
nowadays, especially when time is of the essence and you have to nip in quick.

On the other side of the coin, the hunt for new defenders has been long and detailed. McLeish feels he has chosen correctly in Scott Dann and Roger Johnson.

He admits Blues have 'hedged their bets' during the past 18 months.

Midfield is the next area to concentrate on. Maybe two more are needed, as he believes Blues remain 'light' in that area.

One of those midfielders is Lee Bowyer. He has penned a contract, it's just a case of signing-off the fine details.

Gareth Bale's name was thrown into the mix. If he was available, I'd be interested, came the reply. Moreover, keep an eye on Armand Traore in the next few weeks.

While waiting for the audience with Eck, one or two familiar faces popped up around the corridors of the training HQ, even though Blues don't report back until July 8.

Rumours that Mathieu Flamini was in the building could not be substantiated, however.

Gary McSheffrey was there continuing to build up his fitness after the knee problem that wiped out his effectiveness last season.

And, peering out of a window, none other that Franck Queudrue could be spied coming down the steps from pitch level to the dressing rooms following a work out.

Spotting me, he said: 'See, I have made sure I am here a week early this year!'.

Is it me or is there a lot of head-nodding going on in relation to Blues recent actions, and a quiet feeling of optimism?

Six players have been signed, a deal for Lee Bowyer agreed, and there's promise of more to come by the board.

And there was the dabble for Patrick Vieira too.

When Blues announced their '10 point-pledge' the cynical among us had a field day. Yeah, right, heard it all before was the take.

But maybe it's not so wrong after all to at least give Blues the benefit of the doubt thus far.

St Andrew's is never going to be as palatial as most stadiums around the country yet Blues have been addressing certain aspects: the pitch and track surround, big
screen/scoreboard.

It would be nice to think they would just knock down the Main Stand and have done with it, but there you go.

Season ticket prices are inviting, especially when you see what's materialised in the restructuring of the squad, although sales remain under 10,000.

Blues have gone in early and done business. They have been decisive and don't seem to be heading for that late transfer window panic in the last week of August, which marked the last two Premier League preparations.

David Gold rang me this afternoon just for a general chat, during which he confirmed that the Vieira attempt was a long shot, with the tag that if you don't try you will
never know.

The chairman was interested to guage the reaction to the new players and he said he was enthused about the months ahead.

He won't take anything for granted, however, with those memories post-Blackburn Rovers popping up in his memory from time to time.

He said Blues still had plenty to do.

Gold yesterday issued a statement to the club website patting people on the back, not least his fellow key director David Sullivan.

And Sullivan, often considered the Big Bad Wolf of Theydon Bois, also seems reinvigorated. In our conversations, he has talked like a fan about players Blues
have got and the type they are still trying to get, and not banged on about money. Well, not too much anyway.

In fact, Sullivan and the Golds have both loaned Blues their own cash to help fund ground improvements and player purchases.

An announcement to the Stock Exchange on June 9 showed that Sullivan put in £1 million, matched by David Gold.

Then, today, it was revealed to the City that Sullivan has loaned another £1.5 million, David Gold £750,000 and Ralph Gold £750,000.

The loans are all payable by September 1, with an interest of 0.5 per cent per month. So they are going to get something back for their trouble.

Basically, the money was pumped in to tide Blues over until the Sky television windfall lands in the bank account in August. They didn't want to miss out on Christian Benitez, Scott Dann and Roger Johnson.

Without doubt, there does seem a fresh approach, a more engaged and harmonious attitude, which has been been picked up by people.

Maybe it was the ordeal of the Championship last season, maybe lessons of past Premier League relegations have been taken on board, maybe it's starting a top-flight season with a new manager.

This week, Sullivan made this remark: "It will probably be a tough season, but I hope everybody has some fun and enjoys themselves - that's the key for me."

Developments re the 'mystery £90k-a-week man'.

He will be named tomorrow in the Birmingham Mail, and the background to Blues pursuit explained.

Then at least the guessing game can stop!

But have Blues pulled off a coup and got their target?

All will be revealed . . .

It's not very often we get all in a lather about centre-halves, is it?

Well they've created plenty of debate since well before the season's triumphant end, and will continue to do so for some while yet.

The changing of the guard is happening at St Andrew's.

Scott Dann has come in, it is increasingly likely that Roger Johnson does, while Geovanny Espinoza was undergoing his medical in Birmingham today.

Then we have Joe Hart, a new goalkeeper, and the likelihood of a left-back on loan from the Premier League or abroad.

Having the right combination at the heart of defence is absolutely vital.

Think back to when Blues first came into the Premier League in 2002.

Kenny Cunningham was an inspired signing. He had the know-how, he could read a game and organise. Then Matthew Upson arrived. Pace, power, purpose, hunger.

Those two under-pinned Blues in the first three seasons.

Darren Purse, Michael Johnson, Steve Vickers, Olivier Tebily and Joey Hutchinson were all around St Andrew's at that time seven years ago.

But it was all about getting the right pair to gel, and that was Cunningham and Upson without question.

Dann, 22, and Johnson, 26 have no Premier League experience; Espinoza (32) has been round the block but not over here. Martin Taylor, at 29, is the grand old man of Blues central defenders.

Liam Ridgewell (24) walked the Championship and will get better as the years tick by. It's a shame for him and Blues that he suffered ill fortune and broke his leg.

Alex McLeish has to hope that his defence learns fast, clicks and hold firm.

It won't be for a lack of desire as both Dann and Johnson are itching to make their mark at the highest level. Espinoza will be eager to please.

The way the rest of the team is set up and does their duty in Blues own territory is critical too of course.

It might be too much to ask for another Cunningham-Upson straight away. But the alternative to change was to do nothing - and that just was not an option.

On the subject of getting into a lather, as for the 'mystery 90k-a-week man', there's nothing really new to report. It remains a long shot.

From what I gather Blues have recently tried to change his mind about entertaining them, but he is not a priority target and was not budgeted for.

It would be a bit like an extra topping on the cake, a pleasant surprise, if it came off. And a 'special case', a bit like Christian Benitez, transfer kitty wise.

Five, now six, weeks ago, as I've written elsewhere, Blues became aware that he might be available and contact was made through his representatives.

The board and McLeish have been working assiduously on other targets since, primarily those to remodel the centre of defence.

Last time Blues won at Manchester United anyone?

Last time they scored a goal moreover.

In eight visits they've lost the lot and not scored. Before that there was a draw, which followed another two losses that drew a blank.

So some way to start the new campaign, at the home of the Champions!

To discuss the fixture list for 2009-10, which were released today, join the Birmingham Mail writers from 1pm for a special live web chat on www.birminghammail.net.

Oh, and it was in 1978, when goals by Kevin Dillon and Trevor Francis gave Blues a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Scott Dann is the first but won't be the last defender to join Blues this summer.

Alex McLeish has been trying to bolster the centre-half position ever since he took over at Blues.

Gary Cahill got away, which left Eck and Blues cold. It was genuinely felt he was in the bag until a late chance of mind saw him leave Villa for Bolton Wanderers.

There have been a couple of attempts to take Sami Hyypia, who ended up signing a whopping contract at Bayer Leverkusen after exiting Liverpool on a free.

Then there were the cases of Calum Davenport and Matt Mills. And there have been plenty of others looked at and either dismissed or considered out of reach.

There's no messing about by Blues now.

Blues saw off Wolves for Dann, the Sky Blues captain.

Geovanny Espinoza is also on his way to St Andrew's. And don't rule out Roger Johnson arriving either. I suspect it's either him or Oguchi Onyewu.

At left-back, Blues have David Murphy on the injured list and Franck Queudrue. But expect to see another specialist for that position join, and talks are continuing with Djimi Traore, who can provide cover at full-back or in the centre.

Dann's signing, for an initial £3.5 million, is an interesting one.

His rise from Walsall junior to Premier League has been swift and if you counsel opinion of people in the game about him, you get conflicting views.

Highly promising, the potential to improve, a sound investment. On the other hand, I've heard from those who don't think he will cut it at the highest level.

Never mind whether he's worth the fee or not. Same applies with Johnson. Nowadays it's impossible to get a Matthew Upson for £750,000.

Dann's price is the going rate and although McLeish would love to be able to spend £10 million each on a proven Premier League pairing, he can't.

McLeish said just after the season ended he might have to bring in an emerging player or two and work with them; that's what he's done with Dann and, to an extent,
could do with Johnson as well, another who has yet to make the jump from Championship to Premier League.

What Blues like about Dann is that he has the basic attributes to do a sound job and get better. Also, his on-pitch attitude is that of a leader, a strong Liam Daish type.

He is quiet and unassuming off it, but once across the white line he's vocal and wants to dominate his domain.

A few people who have watched him regular told me that he is a good header of the ball, has very good feet and can pick out a pass. Dann, although 6ft 2in tall, is not a clogging type of centre-half.

He is a threat at set-pieces - as Blues found out when he plundered the only goal of the game at the Ricoh Arena in February - and check out this goal for Walsall against
Rochdale, which suggests he's not lumbering on the deck.

Dann had a hard time of it against Chelsea and Didier Drogba when Coventry were knocked out of the FA Cup in the quarter-finals. He was muscled off the ball for the first goal.

And like any player new in the Premier League, he is going to have to learn fast.

Whilst he can get stuck in and mix it, despite what happened when Drogba mugged him, his sharpness and reading of the game is more of an asset. He's not lightning quick, but neither he is a slouch.

The England under-21 international is sure to show rough edges in the sort of company he will be battling against next season.

But you would think that someone with McLeish's pedigree in the position should be able to nurture a promising centre-half, and Dann's determination to succeed given the opportunity presented to him should count for something too.

Gareth Southgate got in a pickle before his Middlesbrough side's Premier League demise.

The Boro boss and ex-Villa captain took exception to Alex McLeish's comments about David Wheater.

An intelligent bloke, Southgate probably knew that McLeish wasn't really trying to unsettle Wheater or destabilise an already destabilised team.

And on further reflection of the context of the remarks, he would maybe accept it was all a bit of fluff really.

McLeish was talking in general terms, and used Wheater as a random example of the obstacles Blues were likely to face during their summer search for centre-halves.

Southgate wasn't happy though: "David Wheater is one that we have no intention of letting go. He is a big part of the future of this football club.

"It was at a fans' forum and we've all said more than we should have at them. I'm sure Alex will regret how it has come out. It doesn't help.

"I haven't had any sort of apology on the phone but there you go. You're a bit looser if you're talking to your fans. I'm sure he might regret saying it, but it's irrelevant."

Wheater himself went all goggle-eyed: "The speculation doesn't unsettle me, it's flattering. I saw £9 million mentioned and I was like, 'Flipping heck!'

"It's madness isn't it? But it doesn't really bother me."

It seems that it's a case of not how much you've got, but what you do with it.

That's Alex McLeish's transfer lot this summer.

He has asked the board why won't they give him £30 million - £40 million, the money garnered from the Premier League television agreement.

They countered with the usual tale of Sunderland (£90 million spent over the last two years, still fighting for their lives) and the dark scenario of a Southampton.

Although it wasn't what McLeish wanted to hear, he understood the viewpoint and has decided to just get on with it.

I don't think we should be too surprised. Going on the past, Blues have never shelled out massive amounts per season.

The last time in the Premier League, Steve Bruce spent about £10 million on a collection of new players, including Garry O'Connor, Oliver Kapo, Franck Queudrue and Liam Ridgewell. Stuart Parnaby, Daniel de Ridder and Richard Kingson were added on frees.

Then, in January, McLeish was given £6.5 million for James McFadden and David Murphy. Also, £5 million was made available for Gary Cahill. So that does take us beyond £20 million, in fairness.

So, by that token, I would estimate that he probably has somewhere between £10 million - £15 million to play with, plus any money raised from sales.

Then there are the so-called 'special cases', a player who might tickle the fancy of all concerned.

This is why McLeish told the audience at the Banks's/BRMB Football Forum in Sheldon the other night that, no, he didn't have the wherewithal to splash out £8 million or £9 million on one player, David Wheater was the example in question.

Hence also the move to bring in Bobo Balde for pre-season training with a view to a free transfer. It makes sense considering the circumstances.

Balde, McLeish suspects, still has sufficient mobility and strength. Whether he's rusty, or his hunger has been diluted, he should find out for definite in July.

Balde is not McLeish's prime target for centre-half.

Standard Liege stopper Oguchi Onyewu is someone he has at the top of that list.

McLeish said at the Forum - which can be heard on Friday at 7pm on 1152am Gold - that he wants speed and mobility in the position, as well as know-how.

In essence, this is what he has in mind for his team: "We need players who can take the football, more quality" he said.

"I don't mind a couple of big gorillas at centre-half because that spine is so vital for us.

"So, with another quality midfielder, two, strong and mobile centre-halves, then I think we are getting there.

"If I can find that ultimate striker and the two Davids fancy it, then it's all systems go."

As we know, McLeish wants at least 10 new players through the door come the Premier League kick-off. He was talking in general terms above.

Ideally, he wants to make the squad more athletic and younger as well.

You could be forgiven for thinking that, after an interview that surfaced today, to primarily address the climax to the SPL season, he wants half the Rangers team.

Naturally, he gets asked by journalists north of the border about Kris Boyd, Madjid Bougherra, Barry Ferguson and so on. And Eck replies honestly. However, so often in these instances people still put two and two together and come up with five.

I can't see any of that trio heading to St Andrew's this summer as it stands now. McLeish has other players in mind and judging from the flurry of activity at Wast Hills during the past couple of weeks - it's been like an agents' convention - Blues seem quite a way down the road with a couple of transfers.

Footnote: Standard Liege drew 1-1 at Anderlecht on Thursday night, Oguchi Onyewu playing 90 minutes in front of the watching Alex McLeish.

There's a popular phrase 'big unit' to describe players who are, well, hulkingly big.

And if there was one who it applied to at Blues more than others, it was Radhi Jaidi.

At 6ft 4in tall and wide-bodied, Jaidi provided quite a barrier. Sure he wasn't dainty on his feet and teams always tried to run him down his side.

But when sharp and focused, he was a tough old bear and aerially, he was one of the most dominant centre-halves to wear the Blues shirt. It was if he had a breeze block stuck on his shoulders the way he used to thud balls away.

Jaidi's time at St Andrew's is over after the club decided not to take up the 12-month option on his contract.

It was partly due to cost, partly due to Alex McLeish wanting to freshen it up in the heart of defence.

I caught up with Jaidi on the telephone in Djerba, an island off the coast of his native Tunisia, where the big unit was getting in some big rays.

He was fairly philosophical about his axing although intriguingly didn't rule out returning on a reduced salary deal.

McLeish saw him as back-up for the Premier League, perhaps a decent replacement to come in as and when. But the desire to move on, to find the next Radhi Jaidi overrided any sentiment.

Two seasons ago, Jaidi and Martin Taylor formed the backbone of Blues promotion success.

Jaidi powering onto a corner to connect with the ball was a fearsome sight, and he chipped in with some vital goals that campaign.

In the Premier League, he didn't get much of sniff until the new year. His lack of speed and athleticism was too much of a risk for Steve Bruce.

Circumstance meant that he got an opportunity and, to his credit, during the stretch run he gave his all and produced some performances that merited man-of-the-match as Blues tried to stave off the drop.

The 'Jaidi Jumping Jive' designed at putting off goalkeepers at direct free-kicks always raised a smile, but was also highly effective.

This season, again he started down the grid but forced his way to the front and, although sometimes given a run around by eager strikers, he tended to impose his will on them in the end and come out on top in the personal duels.

Jaidi was a decent bloke, and always an engaging interviewee. His English turn of phrase was quirky but at the same time endearing.

His sentences tended to never end, he would pause, think of the right context, and then carry on earnestly making one point and then another.

He always used the word 'concentrate' a lot and it became a bit of a standing joke to guess how many times he would utter it when speaking to the press.

Off the field he admitted he tended to not do much else than sleep, which was perfectly in tune with his laid back personality.

I'd be surprised if there weren't a fair few clubs in the Championship ready to pitch in for Jaidi, a 'big unit' indeed.

Someone said to me the other day that Blues had no player in the PFA Championship team of the season, didn't win a manager of the month or a player of the month award.

But then they got promotion, so they must have done something right.

Fewest goals conceded, fewest losses. More points than Albion who won the title last season. Best record against the best teams.

That someone was Alex McLeish. Not that he was bitter - far from it - just a little miffed that Blues were always seemingly dismissed.

It was probably because they kept on doing what they had to do, they didn't have a startling purple patch.

Wolves won seven games in a row on two occasions early. That gave them the platform to go on and take the top spot, despite a spell of one win in 11 games.

And there was the perception that Blues couldn't string two passes together, unlike my friends at 14th-placed Doncaster Rovers, who were 25 points behind Blues. (let's not go there, eh, they'd only get the wrong end of the stick . . . ).

That said, Blues won the performance of the week for the 2-1 win at Reading. To be fair, it would have been hard not to have given them that one!

Peter Beagrie, Sky Sports Championship expert, often had a downer on Blues. But at least he has seen fit to name two players in his team of the season: Maik Taylor and Lee Carsley.

Predictably, he has been slated for choosing that pair.

Matthew Kilgallon got in, ahead of Liam Ridgewell, who has been an unsung hero in the league's best defence.

Ross McCormack, who snubbed Blues in the summer, was selected too. Take away his penalties, could he have done what Kevin Phillips did?

And if there were signings of the season, what about Stephen Carr and Keith Fahey for 'big spending Birmingham'?

Talking to Carsley this week for an exclusive Blues View interview, he was not happy that Blues didn't play the dashing football everyone wanted. But he was happy that promotion was achieved.

Now it's a case of taking another step forward said Carsley. And so far, from my conversations with McLeish and David Sullivan, there does seem to be a vigour and determination to get the right people in and, more importantly, harmony.