Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, has just had his contract extended by the club which will see him in charge until 2013. The hard work for Harry really starts now, however.

Redknapp’s deal at White Hart Lane was set to expire in 2011, however there was a clause which allowed the club to extend his contract by another two years, and they have just taken this option up.

It’s no surprise that the Tottenham board has taken this option up, after Redknapp lead them to the promised land of the Champions League for the first time last season. The hard work for Harry and his team really starts now, however, as they still have to qualify for the group stages.

It’s ridiculous to think that Redknapp has done the easy part by finishing fourth last season, but in reality the hard part is going to be qualifying for the group stages.  Everton managed to finish fourth in the 2004/05 season, but failed to qualify for the group stages when they were beaten by Villarreal over two legs. Tottenham are one of the seeded teams in the draw for the qualifying round, however they could still draw a tough team if they’re not lucky.

If Tottenham want to really establish themselves as a top four team, then qualification to the group stages is a necessity. Not only will it guarantee them at least six matches, bringing with it great financial reward, it will also make it easier for Redknapp to persuade his transfer targets to come to the club before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Although Tottenham do have one of the best squads in the Premier League, with pretty much two players for every position, one or two additions will make the possibility of progressing into the knockout stages more feasible.

Real strength in depth will also be important to help the club qualify for the Champions League next season. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all perfected the art of playing important midweek Champions League matches, and still picking up three points the following weekend. Redknapp will need to find the right squad rotation balance to help them do the same, and grab fourth spot again this season.

Redknapp has done wonders with this Spurs team, especially when you think back to the position they were in when he took charge. Now, however, he needs to work his magic once more, this time on the European stage, to make sure all that hard work doesn’t go to waste.