Cotterill replaces sacked Redknapp as Birmingham manager

LONDON: Steve Cotterill was hired as the new manager of English Championship strugglers Birmingham.

Cotterill agreed to a two and a half year contract to replace the sacked Harry Redknapp at St Andrew’s.

Former Tottenham boss Redknapp was dismissed on Sept 16 after Birmingham took only four points from their opening eight league games.

Cotterill returns to Birmingham, having been Redknapp’s assistant manager for three games at the end of last season.

“We have every faith in Steve Cotterill to help us achieve the ambitions we all share,” Birmingham chief executive officer Ren Xuandong told the club’s website.

Cotterill’s reign officially begins on Monday and he will be assisted by Lee Carsley, who was caretaker manager for two games following Redknapp’s dismissal.

Carsley led Birmingham to four points, drawing with Derby before beating Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

The former Birmingham midfielder will be in charge for the Championship clash with Hull today before Cotterill takes the reins next week.

First-team coach Paul Groves and goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock will remain part of Cotterill’s back- room staff, though coach Paul Williams leaves the club.

“A lot of quality candidates applied for the manager position and we underwent a very, very careful and meticulous process of selection,” Xuandong added.

“We are also delighted that Lee Carsley will be Steve’s assistant manager and, with the rest of the management team, we are excited about the future prospects, we are sure they can do a great job.”