Southampton boss Harry Redknapp

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp looks set to stay on at St Mary's for next year's Coca-Cola Championship campaign after holding talks with chairman Rupert Lowe.

Saints were relegated from the Barclays Premiership at the weekend after defeat to Manchester United allowed West Brom to finish a point above the drop zone.

Redknapp's future at the south coast outfit appeared uncertain, but he was encouraged by Lowe's determination not to sell the club's better players.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "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."

The former West Ham boss continued: "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."

Redknapp admitted the reaction of fans after the 2-1 defeat to United had affected his decision to whether to walk away from the club, adding on Sky Sports News: "They've been terrific."

Lowe is now expected to announce Redknapp continuing at the club on Thursday.

Redknapp added: "He was positive and has the same ambitions as I have, to get back in the Premiership as quick as he can.

"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 player."

The future of Peter Crouch could be the key to keeping Redknapp at the club, with the striker impressing despite Saints' relegation.

"Palace are going to keep (Andrew) Johnson, Norwich are going to keep (Dean) Ashton, we have to keep Crouch," Redknapp added.

The future of striker Kevin Phillips and goalkeeper Antti Niemi also appear uncertain, although Redknapp is determined to keep them at St Mary's.

He added on Sky Sports: "Phillips is a terrific player, I'm sure there'll be interest in him but you want to keep him if you can.

"Niemi is an outstanding goalkeeper but, if you can, you've got to keep your better players.

"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.

"We'll be looking at a couple of players, if we can bring in a few free transfers with character then we'll be good enough to have a real go."