Football
PA Sport 7y

Birmingham sack Harry Redknapp after home defeat to Preston

Harry Redknapp has lost his job as Birmingham City manager after just 13 games in charge.

Former Tottenham boss Redknapp, 70, was brought in on a rescue mission at the end of last season when he succeeded in keeping the club in the Championship.

But a torrid start to this season has seen them win just two of their 10 games in all competitions, and the club's board made their move after Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Preston.

In a statement, Birmingham said: "Unfortunately, due to the poor start to the campaign which sees the club second from bottom of the Championship, we are left with no choice but to terminate the contract of the manager with immediate effect.

"We thank him for all his efforts and wish him good luck for the future. There will be no further comment at this time."

Redknapp -- who embarked on a rebuilding programme at City over the summer, which included the club-record signing of Jota -- took over after Gianfranco Zola's disastrous reign last season.

Zola's appointment followed the controversial sacking of Gary Rowett, and Birmingham's board now have another difficult situation on their hands.

Speaking after the Preston game, which saw Daniel Johnson, Jordan Hugill and Tom Barkhuizen reply to Maxime Colin's opener, Redknapp insisted he was still up for the fight.

"We have got to lift ourselves. There is a team waiting to gel but we have suffered several injuries to key players," he said.

"Fans deserve better, and that was my motivation to carry on this season.

"I do not come to work because I need the money -- I enjoy the job and leaving home at 5.15 every morning. I would love to be the manager to bring some success to Birmingham."

Lee Carsley has been appointed as caretaker manager, stepping up from his role with the development squad, while Redknapp's assistant, Kevin Bond, has also left the club.

^ Back to Top ^