CHAMPIONSHIP? YOU’RE HAVIN’ A SCARF!
Redknapp is all smiles after Birmingham avoid the drop
HARRY REDKNAPP can wind down his car window, polish his strangled vowels and enjoy the freedom of Bluenose heartlands this summer.
After six minutes of added time, which tortured the league’s oldest manager like a dentist’s drill, Redknapp charged over towards 2,500 travelling disciples from the Midlands, punching the air and with a spring in his step. Good old ’Arry saved Birmingham City from relegation by winning two of his three games in charge – where predecessor Gianfranco Zola’s disastrous reign had yielded two in 24. And although he gave no assurances about staying beyond his 19-day rescue act, Redknapp hinted he could stick around if Blues owners Trillion Trophy Asia are prepared to finance an assault on the Championship’s upper slopes after a desperately close call in the foothills. He said: “I’m at a stage in my life where I’m not chasing work. I will have to see what the club’s ambitions are and if they want to go somewhere next year.
“I’ve had no discussions, I haven’t met anyone who owns the club, I’ve no idea what their plans are – they may have someone else in mind. But I don’t feel anything like a 70-year-old.”
Redknapp was in his element as he celebrated, pulling out his mobile phone, glancing at it and announcing: “Someone is ringing me – from Beijing. My god, maybe there’s a job going for me in China.” Che Adams’ seventh goal of the season after 16 minutes was just enough to keep the Blues above the waterline, but it was hold-on-to-your-hats stuff during six minutes of stoppage time, when Aden Flint volleyed Bristol City’s best chance over from close range. With Nottingham Forest and Blackburn winning, a draw would have sent Birmingham down.
Redknapp added: “That was probably the longest six minutes of my life since the play-off final at Wembley, where QPR were hanging on for dear life with 10 men against Derby.
“We got there in the end that day and we got there today.”