Sunday 23 April 2017 16:17, UK
New Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp was encouraged despite a derby defeat to Aston Villa which leaves him with just two games to preserve the club's Championship status.
Inheriting a team which had won only twice in 24 matches, Redknapp scrapped a back-three formation favoured by his predecessor Gianfranco Zola, introducing a rigid back four with Lukas Jutkiewicz the focal point of the attack as a lone striker.
His new approach looked to have paid dividends as the rivals seemingly headed for stalemate but substitute Gabby Agbonlahor came off the bench to seal a 1-0 win for the hosts.
The Blues stay one place and two points above the relegation zone but Redknapp, who takes charge of a home fixture against Huddersfield on Saturday before a potentially crucial final-day trip to Bristol City, spoke bullishly after the final whistle.
"I take a lot of encouragement from that," said the 70-year-old.
"The attitude has been terrific all week; everything we asked them to do in training they have done today. Would they be able to carry that on to the pitch with them? I thought they did. They worked their socks off, I can't ask for more from them. They gave absolutely everything.
"I feel a lot more confident than when I walked in on Monday. I looked at the record - two wins in 24 - and I thought, 'My God, we need a miracle'. Don't get me wrong, I know it will still be tough but I was really pleased with them today.
"Our keeper hasn't had a shot to save, I don't think he touched the ball, did he? How we've lost that, I do not know.
"They created nothing. I thought if anyone was going to nick it then it was going to be us. I could never see us getting beat. A point would have been handy so it was a blow not to get anything out of the game.
"Huddersfield next week is a massive game and we have to make sure St Andrew's is rocking. I hope the fans are pleased with what they saw today. The result isn't what we wanted but they can't fault the effort. I can't fault the effort."
Villa boss Steve Bruce acknowledged the work Redknapp had done in a short space of time before going on to praise match-winner Agbonlahor.
"I have to say, Harry managed to sprinkle his magic in five days because the difference between them today and where they were last week was unbelievable. They showed they care and it was a really tough game," said Bruce.
"(Agbonlahor) tried everything he possibly could to be fit and I'm delighted for him, because when he was close (to returning) last time he did his hamstring and was back in the treatment room. All the work he'd done was undone.
"He showed what it means to him, he showed passion. As soon as he came on he's making a challenge, he's tearing after somebody. He lifted the whole stadium. He changed the whole atmosphere inside the stadium as soon as he walked on to the pitch.
"Fair play to him, he's won us the match. We've scored off a set-piece - a sloppy one at that. But we'll take it."
