Redknapp new QPR manager

Harry Redknapp has admitted trying to keep QPR in the Barclays Premier League will be his toughest challenge yet.

He said: "I'm optimistic we can pull it off.

"I want to be successful here, really badly. I want to keep this team in the Premier League."If the players try as hard as I am going to try we'll be successful."

Redknapp confirmed a deal was being done to bring in long-time assistants Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond to assist him.

And he warned the players he would not tolerate a lack of effort.

"We've got to do better to give ourselves any chance of getting out of this mess," he said.

"I need 11 people with ability to put effort in. If they don't they're not going to play and I'll get 11 people who do."

The Telegraph's Henry Winter and the Mirror's John Cross are at Harry Redknapp's QPR press conference:

New QPR manager Harry Redknapp said he believes David Beckham could still play in the Premier League and has not ruled out trying to sign him to QPR. He told the BBC:

"I'm sure he could still play in the Premier League. I've not discussed it with the chairman so we'd have to look at that."

"He's a top fantastic player."We had him training at Tottenham and it was amazing to have him round the place. He is absolute class."

Queens Park Rangers' new manager Harry Redknapp watched Manchester United beat QPR 3-1 at Old Trafford. For a match report and analysis visit the ITV Sport website.

QPR Chairman Tony Fernandes has revealed that the QPR board had no doubts over making a move for Harry Redknapp after Mark Hughes was sacked.

He told the club website:

New QPR manager Harry Redknapp has spoken of his "delight" at joining the west London club on a two-and-a-half year deal.

He told the club website:

QPR's head of communication has revealed that Harry Redknapp has joined the club as manager on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Harry Redknapp expects to be watching QPR from the stands tomorrow.

He said: "There are a couple of bits to be sorted out tonight but I've left it to other people and said I want it to happen because it's a club I want to manage.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a big challenge and a tough job to take on - but I'm up for the challenge."

The 65-year-old confirmed he was hoping to travel up to tomorrow's Barclays Premier League match at Manchester United, before making Tuesday's match at Sunderland his first in charge."

Redknapp told Sky Sport news: "I'll watch the game tomorrow. I will probably travel up and watch the game in the stand.

"If everything gets sorted, and I'm sure it will, I'll be in Sunday morning, will have the team in training on Monday, then fly up to Sunderland."