Birmingham City have acted swiftly to replace Gianfranco Zola, the Italian resigning after yesterday’s 2-0 home loss to Burton Albion, appointing Harry Redknapp in his place.
Zola’s resignation, in charge for only four months and winning only two of his 24 games in charge, has been swiftly acted upon by the Blues with the appointment of much respected Redknapp whose last managerial appointment at club level was as boss of QPR, where he managed for 105 games between November 2012 and February 2015.
OFFICIAL: The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Harry Redknapp as our new manager. #BCFC pic.twitter.com/kB1oirZz4s
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) April 18, 2017
The Poplar-born 70-year-old joins Birmingham from his role as advisor to A-League side Central Coast Mariners, who he joined on July 1 last year after performing a similar role at Derby County.
Redknapp’s first game in charge for 20th-, relegation-threatened Birmingham, who are only three points from safety, will be a baptism of fire in a clash against Midlands rivals Aston Villa away at Villa Park.
News of Redknapp’s appointment has been met with a mixture of thoughts from a selection of fans.
Redknapp appointed manager by Birmingham – opinions varied
This guy seems happy enough at the appointment.
TRIFFIC! https://t.co/oh4vXBOhTA
— Manolo (@xM20x) April 18, 2017
And in fairness so does this guy.
https://twitter.com/khalifehassan/status/854250937002721281
This Nottingham Forest fan thinks that Redknapp will have an effect at his side’s detriment.
https://twitter.com/xCleaverNFFC/status/854250880157331456
Ex-Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown extends his warmest wishes to his former boss, thanking him also for the chance that he gave him.
Good luck to Harry Redknapp being appointed Birmingham City manager. If not for him I would have never been a @officialpompey player #pup
— Jamie Ashdown (@jamie_ashdown) April 18, 2017
Sally is another fan that seems pleased with the appointment.
That was quicker than quick…what an appointment!
— Sally Price (@SallyPrice4) April 18, 2017
This Blues fan also seems pleased.
Tri’ffic appointment https://t.co/ygZdLb9hKg
— Groover 😷 (@GrooverBlog) April 18, 2017
However, there is a serious amount of mickey-taking going on from a wide range of fans.
Starting with this one and a dig at Redknapp signing up old players.
https://twitter.com/dangerousattack/status/854250955902255104
It seems to be a common theme that is developing amongst football fans.
Announce Kaboul, Defoe, Kranjcar & Crouch
— JH (@IanManiReniJohn) April 18, 2017
And a common theme that is developing.
Announce Kaboul, Defoe, Kranjcar & Crouch
— JH (@IanManiReniJohn) April 18, 2017
