Birmingham Appoint Harry Redknapp as New Manager as They Battle to Survive Relegation

Former Tottenham, QPR and Portsmouth managerHarry Redknapp has been appointed as manager of Birmingham City, a day after Gianfranco Zola quit. The Championship side have been in freefall since Zola was controversially appointed in December. The Italian replaced Gary Rowett with the club outside the play-offs only on goal difference. They are now battling against relegation having won just twice in 24 games. They are three points above the drop zone with three games to play. A 2-0 loss to Burton on Monday was the trigger for Zola to quit.

Redknapp’s most recent job was a short stint as manager of Jordan. Prior to that he was in charge of QPR, a position he left in 2015 with the club in the Premier League relegation zone. The previous season he gained them promotion from the Championship via the play-offs. He also guided Portsmouth to promotion from the Championship during his long career.

They are now battling against relegation having won just twice in 24 games. They are three points above the drop zone with three games to play. A 2-0 loss to Burton on Monday was the trigger for Zola to quit.

He also guided Portsmouth to promotion from the Championship during his long career.

A statement from Birmingham noted the 70-year-old’s achievements in the game, which includes winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth and getting Tottenham into the Champions League, and added: ‘We believe that under the leadership of Redknapp, Blues will enhance their strength and create achievement.’

Redknapp’s contract is understood to be until the end of the season, with talks planned over a longer-term deal should they avoid relegation.

Source credit: Metro

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