Redknapp reveals Woodward's role

Clive Woodward will become technical director at Southampton, manager Harry Redknapp confirmed today.

Redknapp had previously confirmed that the British and Irish Lions rugby coach would be joining the club’s staff, but the position he would take up had not been revealed.

“Sir Clive is coming in as technical director, not director of football as some people have said,” said Redknapp.

“He is coming in to learn [football]. He’s coming in to pick people’s brains and I’m happy with that. But I am the manager and I pick the team and recommend the players.”

Woodward’s Lions are in the final week of their tour of New Zealand, which has seen them lose the Test series to the All Blacks, and Southampton have set no date for the World Cup-winning coach to begin his new job.

Meanwhile, new Saints signing Darren Powell admitted Redknapp played a decisive role in him switching from one relegated club to another.

Powell, 29, left Crystal Palace to join Redknapp’s Saints over the weekend and joined in today’s first pre-season training session.

“He is a great manager with a terrific track record and it will be an honour to play for him,” said the former Brentford player.

Powell’s arrival could be followed by several departures, but Redknapp is eager to dispense with players on his own terms.

He is determined to keep England striker Peter Crouch and would regard it as a bonus if goalkeeper Antti Niemi and midfielders Nigel Quashie and Rory Delap stayed on as well.

Crouch arrived for training today despite being linked with Liverpool, who are believed to have had a £5million bid turned down, plus Manchester City and West Ham.

Redknapp has branded a minority of his squad “useless” but admitted it was proving hard work to offload those players.

“The sad part is that the ones who do well want to go, but you cannot move the ones who are useless,” said Redknapp.

“Ninety per cent here are good lads with a good attitude but there are always that few around who are quite happy to make their money and do very little for it.

“I would like to be able to shift a few and then bring in a few new faces before the season starts.”

Redknapp believes taking Southampton back into the Barclays Premiership at the first attempt, following their relegation, will be his toughest challenge in football.

“We have to try and keep our best players to get us back up and if we do that then I am confident,” he said.

“I have been a supporter and I know there is nothing better for them than seeing their team sign a couple of new players.

“Fans want to see the best players staying and one or two walk in through the door. That would sell a few season tickets.”

But Dennis Wise, 39, the former Millwall player-manager and one-time Chelsea captain, is Redknapp’s only big-name signing of the summer so far.

Powell joins him after making just 10 appearances for Palace last season, appearing as a late substitute in their last match of the season at Charlton when their relegation, along with that of Saints, was confirmed.