Harry Redknapp harnessed his wealth of managerial experience to successfully steer Birmingham City away from the relegation zone last season, following the disastrous reign of Gianfranco Zola.

His next aim is to guide the Blues back to the Premier League and with pre-season preparations and some shrewd acquisitions in the transfer market behind him, there is room for optimism in the Second City.

Whilst the situation Redknapp inherited at St Andrews was rather dire, the club was headed in the right direction prior to Zola's appointment.

Gary Rowett had created an environment of stability and efficiency yielding two top-ten finishes on a modest budget with Birmingham, and had the team sat marginally outside the play-offs when he was controversially dismissed in December 2016.

Therefore, the squad is not as ineffectual as the two wins in twenty-four matches under Zola would suggest, and a more suitable style of play along with a manager capable of inspiring the best out of his players has the potential to see the Blues get back on that upward trajectory.

Redknapp's prime attribute is man management.

His ability to galvanise a team and transform them into a unit has been evident throughout his long career, with many individuals complimentary of their time under his leadership and the likes of Niko Kranjcar joining up with the Englishman at several different clubs.

The former Portsmouth boss prioritises attacking football founded on freedom and expression rather than inundating his players with detailed tactical instructions.

By contrast, Zola adopted a more deliberate approach in constructing the team's route from goalkeeper to striker and his attempts evidently failed.

So perhaps Redknapp's footballing methodology is better suited to the current crop at St Andrews and will help liberate them.

However, they have stumbled in the opening weeks of the new campaign with the 5-1 demolition of Crawley Town in the EFL Cup, and a 2-1 league triumph over Bristol City fleeting bright points in an otherwise disappointing first seven matches that have produced four defeats - most recently a 2-0 reversal at home to Reading.

The other losses were by the odd goal and the Blues are arguably unfortunate not to have more points on the board at this embryonic stage in the Championship season.

But Redknapp will be frustrated that his side haven't sustained the momentum gathered with last year's escape from relegation, and has delved further into the transfer market to in a bid to rectify any remaining deficiencies in the group.

Since Saturday's game Birmingham have captured Jeremie Boga on loan from Chelsea, Harlee Dean from Brentford as well as Jason Lowe from Blackburn on 'Deadline Day' to supplement the likes of David Stockdale and Craig Gardner who have been added this summer.

Talented midfielder Jota has also signed.

Redknapp has assembled a squad of real depth and quality that, with his track record, should rival the top teams in the division.