HARRY KEEPS THINGS SIMPLE
The No.1 pullout that scores EVERY time Blues boss plans a derby upset LEW CAN GRABB GLORY
NEW boss Harry Redknapp has ordered Birmingham to get back to basics in their crunch clash with local rivals Aston Villa tomorrow.
Redknapp has told the Blues to keep things simple as they take their Championship survival battle to Villa Park for his first game in charge.
Birmingham’s players are thought to have been left confused by former boss Gianfranco Zola’s instructions and the Italian was sacked after just two wins in 22 league games in charge.
Guidelines
“We have spent a lot of time, two hours probably, just on a bit of shape, pattern of play, how we are looking to play when we have the ball,” said Redknapp.
“We’re trying to get them really back to basics, pretty basic really, nothing that clever. I have given them some guidelines on areas to play and when to play.
“They have responded to it, I think they have enjoyed that – having it put in black ®Êby MIKE WHALLEY and white a little bit for them. We have worked on corners and set-plays.
“We are as ready as we can be. Whether we are good enough, we will find out.
“Franco’s a fantastic guy, maybe they didn’t buy well in the last window in certain positions.
“They could be a bit stronger. One or two players could make a massive difference to the team.”
Redknapp is back in the dugout tomorrow at the age of 70 more than two years after quitting his last club job at QPR.
But Villa boss Steve Bruce – a former ®Êby DARREN WITCOOP Birmingham manager – says he is not surprised to see Redknapp lured back into management.
“Did I think I’d see Harry back in football? Yes,” said Bruce. “The one thing that age does give you is experience and, of course, if you’ve still got that same enthusiasm, then age is not a barrier.
“I saw his enthusiasm for it this week, he’s a real big football man.
“It’s quite remarkable. As soon as I heard he was in at Blues, I knew my job on Sunday had just got more difficult.
“It’ll always be with him, he’s very talented at what he does, he gets the best out of players and he’s proved that over the years.”