Harry Redknapp says Birmingham need one more win to survive
Sunday 30 April 2017 14:13, UK
Birmingham caretaker manager Harry Redknapp is asking his players for a repeat performance at Bristol City following a dramatic 2-0 Championship win over Huddersfield.
Birmingham certainly kept their fans on tenterhooks before emerging with the win, achieved after they had missed a penalty and been reduced to 10 men inside the opening 25 minutes.
But Birmingham could not be faulted for effort as they carved out only their third win in 24 League games with a first-half goal from Jonathan Grounds and a Craig Gardner penalty in the 75th minute.
It leaves them two points clear of Blackburn and Nottingham Forest, with an inferior goal difference, and Redknapp said: "We need to win in our last game at Bristol to avoid relegation.
"We have a two-point advantage so a point will make no difference. We simply need three points but it all depends upon the results of the other clubs."
Reflecting on the difficult opening to the game, Redknapp said: "We needed a good start but having missed a penalty and then the sending off was a big blow.
"It was a harsh decision and from then on I thought we were in trouble. But we showed unbelievable character to win the game.
"A full house was a big bonus and made such a difference. They dragged every ounce of effort of the players. I could not be more proud of the players with this performance."
Huddersfield, having already secured a top-six place, made 10 changes to their side to rest players for the play-offs.
But Redknapp said: "It is Huddersfield's business what they do.
"They have got to the play-offs and it is not their fault other teams are in a relegation battle. Why should they take care of us or Blackburn, Nottingham Forest or anyone else?
"Their manager's job is to get his players right for the play-offs. He cannot be worrying about other teams. I did exactly the same thing when I was QPR for the last two games."
