Harry Redknapp named Birmingham City manager

The news comes after Gianfranco Zola resigned from the role with the Blues just three points above the Championship relegation zone.

The initial deal will see Redknapp take charge for the remaining matches this season, while further discussions will take place should the club avoid the drop.

Redknapp's last stint in management was in charge of Jordan in 2016, where he oversaw two World Cup qualifiers, beating Bangladesh 8-0 in the first before losing 5-1 to Australia.

Prior to that spell in Asia, Redknapp managed Queens Park Rangers from November 2012 up until February 2015, initially succumbing to relegation to the Championship before returning to the Premier League - via the play-offs - in his first full season in charge.

However, Redknapp resigned seven months into the 2014-15 season with the club second from bottom, though he initially cited a knee operation as his reason for leaving.

Redknapp's appointment will come as a shock to many with the former West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Southampton boss reluctant to leave his home on the south coast and uproot further north.

He faces fierce rivals Aston Villa in his first match at the helm as he looks to stave off relegation once more.