Harry Redknapp reveals he took the Birmingham manager's job without first watching the team play

Redknapp is attempting to steer Birmingham to safety but has admitted that he has not yet found the time to watch his new side in action

Redknapp has not yet had a chance to study his players (Getty)

Harry Redknapp has revealed that he accepted the Birmingham job without watching the team play, as he attempts to steer the club to Championship survival with just three games of the season remaining.

The 70-year-old was confirmed as the surprise successor to Gianfranco Zola on Tuesday and will be joined at the club by former Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill, who will work as assistant manager.

Zola resigned after a disastrous run of just two wins from 24 fixtures, which leaves the club in 20th-place and only three points above the relegation zone.

Redknapp has three games to save the club Getty) (Getty)

Redknapp has been parachuted into the club as a temporary manager and tasked with keeping the club in the second-tier, but has confessed that he has not yet had a chance to watch his new team in action.

“It is my first day, I will meet the lads, I haven't seen them play, I haven't got a magic wand, that's for the sure,” he told Sky Sports News.

“The players have to get us out of it, all I can do is install a bit of confidence and belief in them and if we can do that and get a result or two then that will be great.

“I am l forward to it. It is a challenge and it is something to talk about in a year or so.”

Zola resigned as manager of Birmingham City (Getty)

Redknapp's brief does not currently extend beyond ensuring safety, but if he can achieve that, next season is an enticing prospect for the former West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham boss.

“It is a challenge, it is a good club. It is three games in two weeks, massive games for us, it is a very difficult situation we are in but I am looking forward to the challenge,” he added.

“I love football, I am football mad. For sure (I could stay), keeping them up is the key to it all, we have to make sure we stay in the league next year.

“I know people criticise the owners but having met the people, they have got big plans and next year will be a big year for the club, we just have to stay in the division this year.”

Redknapp will begin his Birmingham tenure by taking on city rivals Aston Villa before clashes with Huddersfield and Bristol City.