New owner Carson Yeung has long-term dreams of Birmingham challenging the elite of Europe. But his immediate aim is to ensure Blues stop yo-yoing between the Coca Cola Championship and the Barclays Premier League.

He said: "What is the target for Birmingham? Maybe 10th or ninth this season, maybe better next season, not to be a yo-yo club anymore.

"Our aim is to work hard to secure our position in the Premier League, not only for this year but for many years to come.

"It's a long, long target but we hope Birmingham can become one of the best clubs in Europe. Let's take it step by step - but why not?

"We want to be as big as possible and competitors for Aston Villa."