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Middlesbrough are suing Birmingham City and four members of Garry Monk’s coaching team.

First team coach James Beattie, head of performance Sean Rush, head of analysis Ryan Needs and goalkeeping coach Darryl Flahavan were placed on gardening leave by Boro after Monk was sacked in December.

They resigned once Monk took charge at Blues and arrived at St Andrew’s to form part of the 39-year-old’s coaching staff.

Boro argue a clause in the quartet’s contracts prevents them from working alongside each other and Monk for a Championship rival before December 28.

They say the coaches’ insider knowledge of transfer targets, strategy, player wages and weaknesses gives Blues a competitive edge should they both remain in the Championship.

Boro's barrister, Ian Mill QC, told London's High Court: "There is a real risk that Middlesbrough will lose players to BCFC if it continues to employ each member of the backroom team at the same time as each other and/or Mr Monk.

"A number of Middlesbrough's current players, including some of its young players, who are on comparatively low salaries, were recruited or favoured by different members of the backroom team and remain loyal to them.

“BCFC's employment of the backroom team is therefore likely to give it ongoing competitive advantage over Middlesbrough.”

Adam Solomon QC, who is representing the four coaches in question, believes there’s an 'inherent unlikelihood' of Middlesbrough obtaining the injunction it seeks.

Mr Justice Warby plans to conclude matters as quickly as possible and revealed plans for a trial to begin in the next two months.

"This is a case in which the answer should be arrived at swiftly following a trial in the next eight weeks," the judge said.

“He ordered that a trial - lasting 'at most four days' - should take place between June 22 and July 5.”

BLUES PODCAST

Alex McLeish will go down as one of Birmingham City’s most successful managers - but few divide opinion at St Andrew’s like the current Scotland chief.

Had he not elected to cross the Second City divide and join Aston Villa in 2011 McLeish would have gone down as a St Andrew’s hero.

For some he will remain exactly that having guided the club to promotion, a ninth-placed Premier League finish and a Carling Cup triumph.

But others won’t forgive his decision to take over at Villa shortly after relegation was confirmed.

McLeish spent nearly four years in the St Andrew’s dugout and worked under Carson Yeung, who was jailed in 2014 for money laundering.

For our latest Blue Noise podcast, Alex Dicken sat down with the 59-year-old to discuss his eventful time at St Andrew’s.

He discusses cult heroes Super Kevin Philips and Nikola Zigic, details why his relationship with the Blues board broke down, the players he missed out on and, of course, that wonderful day at Wembley.

You can listen to the full podcast above.

LOOKING AHEAD TO QPR

Birmingham City face a crucial trip to Loftus Road on Saturday knowing that a win would secure their survival in the Championship this season, writes Harry Hogg.

Blues picked up a vital three points at home to Sheffield United last weekend to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

They face a QPR side, who have won three of their last four home games in the league.

Here’s a quick lowdown on the game.

What time does QPR vs Birmingham kick off?

The match gets underway at 3pm on Saturday.

The two sides are separated by 10 points in the table.

What are the injury concerns?

Blues midfielder Craig Gardner is expected to make the trip after suffering an injury scare in Saturday’s win over Sheffield United.

The 31-year-old missed training earlier in the week due to damaged ribs.

Harlee Dean is still out with a suspension, which means Marc Roberts is likely to start in his place once again.

Isaac Vassell remains sidelined with a knee injury.

For the hosts, midfielder Massimo Luongo is set to miss the final two games of the season as he jets off to prepare for the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Matt Ingram is unlikely to feature after suffering a concussion during Saturday’s defeat to Brentford.

Jack Robinson and Nedum Onuoha are both set to return.

What the managers say

Gary Monk: "It's human nature to look at other teams in and around us in our situation and to wonder how they got on especially as you come more and more towards the end.

“But as I've said to the players from the very start, we're not going to rely on anyone else but ourselves and that's the way we've approached it.

“We've been focused and committed towards what we need to do to take care of our own business and I think you can see that in the performances.

Ian Holloway: "It's been a season of change and transition, but what the supporters have done is make Loftus Road a brilliant place for the young lads to come in and do so well.

“Now we want another good performance and the right result to finish things off at home.

“We want to win the game and we want to accumulate more points than we had last year."

Who’s the ref?

Stephen Martin – took charge of Blues' 1-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough back in March.

Stats

Blues have won only 4 of 18 clashes at Loftus Road.

Four of last five games between these two have seen both teams on the scoresheet.

15 defeats in 22 away games for Blues is the most they have every lost during a league campaign under the current format.

Only Burton Albion and Middlesbrough have managed to stop the R’s from scoring at Loftus Road in the league this season.

Blues have only kept two clean sheets on the road this season – both wins at Reading and Bolton.

What are the Bookies saying?

QPR 17/10

Draw 12/5

Blues 7/4