Birmingham sign son of ex-Premier League favourite who made Harry Redknapp admit he was wrong

Birmingham City have announced the signing of August Priske – and some football fans may instantly recognise his surname.

Legendary manager Harry Redknapp will certainly recognise it, as he was once his Priske’s dad’s boss in the Premier League.

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Brian Priske made 30 top-flight appearances for Portsmouth in 2005/06, playing a part in an iconic escape from relegation.

During that campaign, Redknapp completely ignored the Dane for selection, leaving him firmly down the pecking order.

The ex-Tottenham manager became Pompey boss in December 2005, instantly dropping Priske and choosing other options.

However, after injuries at right-back, Redknapp was forced to eventually use Prisk and he started the last nine games of the season.

In those nine games, Portsmouth earned 20 of 27 points available, helping them remarkably secure Premier League safety.

Speaking about the snub and following success, Priske told The News: “In some aspects, I think I eventually won Harry over.”

He later revealed that Redknapp admitted his fault, saying: “We had a small talk and he actually said he really appreciated what I had done…he admitted that maybe he was wrong over a long period.”

Now, 20 years later, Priske’s son August has signed for Birmingham – a club that Redknapp also managed during his career.

The 21-year-old striker has arrived in England from Djurgardens IF to follow in his father’s footsteps, signing a five-year contract.

Priske Jr. will now aim to help the Blues in their bid to rise up the Championship table and challenge for promotion.

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Arriving in Birmingham

Priske started his career in his native Denmark with Midtjylland before going on loan to the Netherlands twice.

He then signed for Swedish side Djurgardens IF two years ago, going on to score 24 goals in 52 games in all competitions.

Last season, he netted 18 goals in 27 Allsvenskan appearances for the club, finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Speaking after making the move to Birmingham, Priske, who also plays for Denmark’s U21s, said: “I’m really happy.

“I feel like I’ve found something special here with this club, a great city and great fans. A lot of exciting things for the future.

“It was a no-brainer, to be honest.”

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Taking the next step

Priske’s father had spoken about his son signing for Birmingham before re-posting the transfer announcement on social media.

Speaking to Danish media ahead of the confirmation, Priske Sr. said: “It’s great that he can take the next step.

“It was close this summer, and he’s just had an even better season now. It would be completely natural if it happens now.

“He really loves Djurgården, and he has some fantastic teammates and friends. And it’s not just for a short period. It’s for life, I’m sure.

“And at the same time, his sports manager Bosse Andersson has meant an incredible amount to August.

“If a great transfer is successful now, they – his teammates and Bosse – will be very proud of him, and they have been fantastic.”