Birmingham City need Harry Redknapp to have a big impact, while Derby County’s Gary Rowett has made a good start.
Gary Rowett’s comments about his preparations at Derby County, could hardly be more different than Harry Redknapp’s after taking over at Birmingham City.
Rowett said to the Derby Telegraph that he couldn’t have been more prepared to take over at Derby, after knowing the key qualities of all their players.
He said: “I have watched every game Derby have played probably over the last year and a half. I spent ages watching and assessing players, and looking at what we need moving forward.
“In three days I probably watched every game of this season and probably last season.”
Rowett has made an immediate impact at Derby since taking over, despite a heavy defeat to Brentford being the one blot on his copybook so far.
Birmingham need Redknapp to have a similarly effective start, but Rowett’s comments directly compare to those of the new Blues boss, and rather highlight a difference between the two managers.
Redknapp has never been known for his organisational skills, despite his prior success.
And the 70-year-old boss has once again suggested that he does not have a major knowledge base of Birmingham’s players.
“It’s my first day tomorrow and I get to meet the players. I haven’t seen them play, I will be truthful with you,” he said to Sky Sports.
“I haven’t got a magic wand. It is up to them.”
Of course, Redknapp’s admission of not watching Birmingham is not entirely his fault. His appointment has been rushed through, following the departure of Gianfranco Zola.
However, Redknapp is under pressure to make sure his first impressions are correct.
Birmingham have just three games remaining this season, and they need to pick up some victories – otherwise they risk relegation and undoing all of Rowett’s hard work at St. Andrews.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
