Birmingham City chairman David Gold has dropped a big hint of an imminent takeover push for West Ham United.

Gold would be happy to go back to his roots and work in the East End where he grew up and did not rule out linking up again with David Sullivan and Karren Brady.

He said: "At our age we're beginning to think we don't want to go too far so I believe, if anything goes through, it would be a southern club where we would all like to settle down and spend the rest of our time.

"Everybody has financial difficulties at the moment and would welcome anyone with a football background and a lot of money.

"I was born in Stepney and by the time I was three I was living across the road from Upton Park. I went to Burke Secondary Modern after failing my 11-pluses.

"I have to admit I hated jellied eels, probably the only person in the East End who felt this way. But I did like pie and mash."