Harry Redknapp named as Birmingham's new manager

Harry Redknapp explains the reasons why he made a decision to become Birmingham City manager, and jokes that his wife thinks he is "mad" to return to management.

Redknapp has been involved in football since 1958, and has managed Bournemouth, West Ham, Southampton, Tottenham, QPR and Jordan, and has also taken in two stints at Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup.

Gianfranco Zola has resigned as Birmingham manager after just four months in charge following Monday's 2-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat at home to Burton.

Zola's run of only two wins from 24 fixtures has left Birmingham 20th and only three points above the relegation zone.

Birmingham was three points and one place off the League Championship's playoff positions in December when the club fired manager Gary Rowett and replaced him with Zola, apparently wanting a higher-profile coach.

"I went in there and said I don't want anything but I'll come and do it".

Zola insisted just last week the team was advancing, following the board released a statement offering their support of the underfire 50-year old. If they don't stay up, I won't stay. They then play Huddersfield before ending the season against fellow strugglers Bristol City. I shook hands and said I would do it, no problem. I got a phone call last night from the people at Birmingham.

It's unknown whether Redknapp's contract is until the end of the season, or longer. "I'm sure they have been back to basics before now, Gianfranco will have tried that", he said.

"Unfortunately the results have not been good and I take full responsibility".

"I've got to install some confidence in the players". It is not that I like quitting but I feel like this club deserves the best chance.If I feel I can't help the team it is better that I leave someone else to do that. If I can not help the team, it is better I leave and let someone else do that.

He said: "They are three tough games".