Redknapp sees a huge task ahead

REDKNAPP'S VIEW Tottenham 5-1 Southampton

Harry Redknapp admitted the task of preserving Southampton's Premiership status could be his biggest challenge.

After seeing his side thumped at Tottenham, Redknapp said: "I think I've got into a tight one this time.

"There's a lot of work to be done and I'm learning quickly what the players here are about.

"I've told them that those who want to be part of what we want to achieve have to stand up. Otherwise they can go and look elsewhere."

Redknapp admitted he is looking for his players to show the sort of spirit shown by those of his previous club Portsmouth, who survived from a similar position last season.

I think I will find a couple of players that will make the difference and keep us up Saints boss Harry Redknapp

The new Saints boss said: "I was confident there because I knew the players had the spirit.

"I've got to bring players in during January where I wasn't expecting to at Portsmouth.

"We've only won two games all season and you can see why. We keep making elementary errors and giving goals away.

"Maybe our defenders aren't good enough and we're leaving a great goalkeeper in Antti Niemi exposed.

"We need to bring in three, four, maybe five players in January. We'll have to beg, borrow or steal them," said Redknapp who reiterated his determination to hang on to his crown jewels, Niemi and James Beattie.

"You can't let a keeper like Niemi go and I'm hoping that James will start scoring the goals that will win us games.

"But I think I will find a couple of players that will make the difference and keep us up."