Opinion: The Harry Redknapp effect and what’s to come

Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp is this week holding talks with Robbie Keane, Stewart Downing, and now, potentially Ashley Cole, according to Sky Sports.

While all three of them would be interesting additions to the Blues squad, not all negotiations are successful in the transfer window.

The Second City/John Terry transfer saga is proof of that.

However, so far Redknapp`s successful signings look to be great additions. It appears as though he is building a squad with a mix of youngsters and seasoned veterans. Alex McLeish utilised the same strategy when he took charge of Blues almost ten years ago.


In signing both David Stockdale, Marc Roberts and Cheikh Ndoye, Redknapp has shown his intent on building a Birmingham side capable of challenging for promotion to the Premiership in the upcoming season.

Stockdale posted fantastic numbers last term, keeping 20 clean sheets, the most in the Championship.

Defender Roberts also had a productive year, scoring four goals in 40 starts. Both of these players could significantly impact the depth of the team in the upcoming season.


Looking ahead, a left back, a winger, an attacking midfielder and a striker or two wouldn`t hurt the cause if good old ‘Arry wants to continue making a profit as a blacksmith with his “irons in the fire”.

However, what is clear now is that so far, the Blues board have already shown that they are backing their man by providing him with the financial resources he needs in order to achieve his goal.


Specifically, though Blues missed out on Terry, the opportunity for Redknapp and Keane to reunite still is at even odds with the bookies.

Personally, I would like to see it happen. Watching how productive Keane was in MLS, as competitive a league as the Championship, he was nothing short of a workhorse over his career with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Keane scored 73 goals and had 43 assists in 108 regular season appearances for LA. He could do well for Birmingham, even at 36. Besides, the Blues badge would look good on him.

As for Cole and Downing, both are proven talents that could easily adapt to the rigors of Championship football.

Reports suggest that Cole, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star, is keen with a move to Blues which is interesting, but knowing Harry, he has insurance offers in place to ensure someone comes through the door in case no deal is met.

Keane would have the relationship with Redknapp already, and as a journeyman player since he left Spurs, he could be one of those signings that has the most to gain, in particular with the younger strikers.

Another player to think about is Ravel Morrison, who is training with Blues ahead of a potential move as well from Lazio.

Morrison has the potential to really strengthen the Blues midfield, and off the field issues aside, he is one of the best products to come out of Manchester United`s academy.

He did well under Lee Clark when he was in charge, and under Redknapp, he could prove to be one of the top signings of the summer. I for one am excited about who could come to St. Andrew`s next, and for the season to get up and running.