Redknapp accepts Saints job

Resignation
The 57-year-old vowed he would not "go down the road" to Southampton when he resigned as manager of Portsmouth on 24 November. It was assumed that Portsmouth's decision to appoint a director of football in Velimir Zajec had unsettled the 57-year-old former West Ham United FC boss, who insisted he needed a break from the game.

Newly installed
However, Redknapp was today unveiled as Southampton's third manager of the season, replacing Steve Wigley who had been in charge for 14 league matches, winning just one, after succeeding Paul Sturrock two games into the campaign.

Holiday cancelled
Redknapp said: "I was due to take my wife to Dubai tonight. I've only just paid for it and wouldn't have done if I'd known this was going to happen! In fact, I was not even sure I wanted to go back into football. I planned to take six months to a year out and then see how I felt. But this was a challenge I couldn't turn down - it's a terrific club."

Boro next
Redknapp is likely to be assisted by Kevin Bond, his former No2 at Fratton Park, with Southampton confirming that Wigley has left with immediate effect. The Saints are currently third from bottom of the Premiership with 12 points from 16 matches, and play fifth-placed Middlesbrough FC on Saturday.