Harry Redknapp: Birmingham City should be pushing for the Premier League - WATCH

Redknapp was appointed as Blues boss following Gianfranco Zola's resignation, and faces an uphill battle to help secure the club's place in the Championship.

Sitting just three points clear of the relegation zone, Blues face bitter rivals Aston Villa this weekend before playing Huddersfield Town and Bristol City.

Zola managed a run of just two wins from 24 fixtures after replacing Gary Rowett, who was sacked despite having the club fighting for the playoffs.

Speaking at his opening press conference, Redknapp admitted that taking over at the club would be a tough job.

"I know it's a challenge but I love football and this is a big club to be part of. We need at least one win to be safe." He said.

"I've got to install some confidence in the players. I'm sure they'll will be up for Sunday's game and we need points."

"This is a club that should be pushing to get back into the Premier League."

"Birmingham are a team I've not see much of, seen nothing of really, they've not been on TV much this year."

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"It was something I thought 'I'll have a go at that'. When I got home at 2.30am my wife was asleep and she said 'what happened?' I said 'I'm going to Birmingham until the end of the season'. She thought I was mad. Everybody I know thinks I'm mad."

"I got a call at 7pm asking if I could come and having a meeting in London. I went over, met them at 9.30pm and by 9.45pm I had no hesitation. It wasn't a case of signing a contract for three weeks, I shook hands and said I would do it, no problem."

"It's a big club and it's a challenge, a big challenge. After I looked at the fixtures I thought it was an even bigger challenge."

"It's not easy. All I can do is try and install some confidence - two wins in 24 games is there for all to see. That has to improve."

Following the 70-year-old's appointment, Birmingham also confirmed the departure of several of Gianfranco Zola's backroom staff, with Pierluigi Casiraghi, Gabriele Cioffi, Andrea Caronti and Sebastiano Porcu all leaving the club.

Steve Cotterill and Paul Groves will assist Redknapp, whilst goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock will remain in his position.