HARRY REDKNAPP has warned Saints they MUST keep Peter Crouch if they are to stand a chance of bouncing back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

The Saints boss is still mulling over his own future and is expected to let Rupert Lowe know his decision this week.

But whatever happens, Redknapp is adamant the club need to keep hold of 16-goal top scorer Crouch.

The 23-year-old's impressive form since Redknapp handed him his first Saints Premiership start in his first game in charge against Middlesbrough in December has won him an England call for the forthcoming matches against the USA and Columbia. Redknapp said: "If he (Lowe) doesn't hang on to the Peter Crouches, then you've no chance (of coming straight back up), that's for sure."

But he was less certain on his own future.

The 58-year-old has admitted that if he does decide to leave Saints then it will mark his retirement from the game.

Redknapp is taking a few days to talk things over with his family before deciding on his future.

The manager, whose only previous relegation in over 20 years of professional management was with Bournemouth in 1990, said: "I don't regret anything.

"I did what I did and don't regret it at all.

"I wouldn't get a better club than this. If I'm going to stay in football, this is the only place I'm interested in staying.

"If I don't, I'd pack up the game completely. I've got to speak with the chairman. I just want time to see what I'll do with my life.

"You've got to make sure you enjoy it."

Redknapp appears undecided about whether a season in the Championship would provide him with job satisfaction.

"That is the question. Do I need the hassle?" he added. "So much work would need to be done. I couldn't stand here saying the squad here now will get them out of the Championship next year. I'd be kidding myself and everybody else if I said that."

Saints relegated after 27 years and what does the chairman say? 'We have got the best squad we have had for a long, long time' - Read Jeremy Wilson's interview with Rupert Lowe on pages 42 & 43 of today's Daily Echo.