Friday 12 May 2017 15:24, UK
Harry Redknapp has been confirmed as the permanent manager of Birmingham City on a one-year contract and could become the highest paid manager in the club's history, Sky sources understand.
Redknapp took over the role for the final three games of the season and secured their Sky Bet Championship status after guiding them to two wins, including a 1-0 victory at Bristol City in the final game of the season.
The 70-year-old - who has managed a host of clubs including QPR, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Southampton - will now try to improve their fortunes next season after being given guarantees there will be money to spend on the squad, in line with the Chinese owners' ambitions to challenge in the top half of the division next season.
Negotiations are also ongoing with former Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill to be Redknapp's assistant, and with Paul Groves to be first-team coach.
Redknapp replaced Gianfranco Zola at St Andrew's after the Italian resigned following a run of results that saw them win just two of 24 matches.
Redknapp held talks with Birmingham's owners and board of directors this week and finalised the details of his contract on Thursday night.
He will work under former Real Madrid scout Jeff Vetere, who was named Blues' director of football on Wednesday.
