Redknapp stays but Bald Eagle Smith leaves Saints

Harry Redknapp has revealed he decided to remain at Southampton next season and guide them back to the Premiership because he refused to “go out on a low note”.

The 58-year-old held talks with chairman Rupert Lowe last week, seeking assurances that the club would not conduct a mass sale to stave off debts following relegation and confirmed yesterday that he would be staying.

Redknapp told the club’s website www.saintsfc.co.uk: “I couldn’t walk out on the club after last Sunday. I’ve always said this would be my last football job and I’m not going out on a low note”.

But Redknapp’s assistant Jim Smith, whose contract has run out, will not be kept on by the Saints.

Lowe has already stated star striker Peter Crouch is not for sale, and with many of Saints’ playing staff having relegation clauses in their contracts which see their wages significantly reduced in the Coca-Cola Championship, the exodus is unlikely to be drastic.