Derbyshire makes Birmingham move

Soccer: Birmingham have clinched the signing of striker Matt Derbyshire on a one-year loan from Olympiacos.

Soccer:Birmingham have clinched the signing of striker Matt Derbyshire on a one-year loan from Olympiacos.

Former Blackburn frontman Derbyshire (24) moved to Greece in January 2009 but returns for a move which could become permanent if he impresses for Alex McLeish's side.

Derbyshire has three years remaining on his contract with Olympiakos.

He could make his Birmingham debut against Blackburn at St Andrew's on Saturday.

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As a young forward, Derbyshire struggled to win a regular starting place at Ewood Park and had loan spells with Wrexham and Plymouth before departing to Olympiacos, initially on loan.

It was during the loan spell last year that Derbyshire enjoyed his finest match for the Greek giants, scoring twice in the domestic cup final - including a stoppage time equaliser - to force a 3-3 draw with AEK Athens before Olympiacos won 15-14 in a penalty shoot-out.

McLeish has been keen to add to his squad this summer after their impressive first season after promotion, and Derbyshire becomes the second striker to join the club after former Valencia frontman Nikola Zigic.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Birmingham's owners will appeal against a judgment which ruled they owed investment bank Seymour Pierce €3million and threatened their future ownership of the club.

Earlier this year the High Court ruled in Seymour Pierce's favour when they claimed to be owed for consultancy services during Carson Yeung's takeover of the club through Birmingham International Holdings Ltd (formerly Grandtop International Holdings Ltd).

When the payment was not made in April, Seymour Pierce obtained a charge over the shares in the club and threatened to take control and sell shares to recoup the money owed.

However, a statement from the club today revealed they will appeal the ruling.

"Birmingham City FC can today confirm that Birmingham International Holdings Ltd (formerly Grandtop International Holdings Ltd) have been granted leave by the court of appeal to defend the Seymour Pierce legal case," said the statement.

"Back in April 2010 Seymour Pierce put a charge over Blues shares and threatened to take control of the Club due to a dispute over consultancy fees for their services during the club's takeover.

This ended in Birmingham International Holdings having to pay a €3million bill to Seymour Pierce.

"But, after receiving supporting grounds of appeal the judge has given the club's owners leave to appeal against the judgement on the basis that there is 'a real prospect of success'.

"A date for the appeal will be confirmed in due course. The club cannot make any further comment on this situation."