HARRY REDKNAPP has prevented Saints starting a search for their fifth boss in 15 months by pledging his future to the club.

Redknapp ended speculation about his future last night when he revealed he was happy to stay in a bid to win promotion from the Championship for the second time in four seasons.

The manager has received assurances from under-fire chairman Rupert Lowe that Saints' best players - such as Peter Crouch - WON'T have to be sold following relegation.

But he also said he didn't expect to have much in the way of a transfer kitty to work with as he sets about reconstructing a top-heavy squad.

Lowe was attending a board meeting at St Mary's this morning and was expected to formally announce Redknapp's decision to stay after that - so long as the other directors agree.

Redknapp, who is also expected to see his salary cut in the wake of relegation, met Lowe earlier this week and said last night: "We had a good meeting, it was nice and positive.

"When I walked off the pitch on Sunday, the fans were fantastic and there was no doubt that I wanted to stay at the club.

"I sat down with the chairman and went through the squad looking at next season.

"What is important is that we try to keep hold of our best players.

"You've got to keep them and give us a chance of getting up, all I wanted was confirmation of that from the chairman that we will look to keep the best players here and add one or two free transfers or whatever we can find."

Lowe was expected to announce today that Redknapp, who won just four of his 22 Premiership games after replacing Steve Wigley last December, is staying.

Redknapp added: "He (Lowe) was positive and has the same ambitions as I have, to get back in the Premiership as quick as he can. If we can do that it would be fantastic.

"You get disappointed and feel low but I just wanted some clarification of where we wanted to go.

"I wanted to make sure there was not going to be a fire sale of better players. Palace are going to keep (Andrew) Johnson, Norwich are going to keep (Dean) Ashton, we have to keep Crouch," said the boss.

The futures of striker Kevin Phillips and goalkeeper Antti Niemi also appear uncertain.

Phillips remains a target of Aston Villa, who were thwarted in their efforts to sign the player last January, while Niemi is Saints' most valuable asset.

Redknapp wants to keep both players but said: "If someone comes in with an incredible offer it's different because you can use the money to strengthen other areas. But you can't sell them and not replace them. If we can bring in a few free transfers with character then we'll be good enough to have a real go."

Redknapp's decision could mean his son stays at St Mary's - even if Jamie retires from playing, he could take up a coaching role now that Christiano Damiano has left.