Harry to see out season at Spurs

Harry Redknapp intends to see out the remainder of the season with Tottenham.

Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to replace Fabio Capello as England boss and it appears only a matter of time before he receives an official approach from the FA.

However, with Stuart Pearce confirmed as caretaker boss for this month’s friendly against Holland, there is no immediate rush to make an appointment.

And with no games to play until two weeks after the Premier League season has finished, there must be a chance Redknapp will be allowed to remain with Spurs to try to engineer a successful conclusion to a stellar campaign so far.

“I hope so,” said Redknapp. I’d be very surprised if I didn’t finish the season with Tottenham, that’s for sure.

“I haven’t thought about not being here at the end of the season and I’ve got no idea why I shouldn’t.”

It does seem like a plausible scenario, which would allow Redknapp to take over England duties for the friendlies against Norway and Belgium, then into a Euro 2012 campaign the majority of planning for has already been completed.

Redknapp has admitted to uncertainty over whether the England job could be done part-time.

However, in these circumstances, it is difficult to see why not, if Redknapp wants the job.

“I don’t think you ever think you’re going to be in a position where you will be appointed manager,” he said.

“I haven’t got a big ego. There have been cleverer boys about than me who haven’t had the opportunities I’ve had.

“I’ve been lucky to have the opportunities and I’ve done well when I’ve had them.

“But whilst it is flattering to be mentioned at the moment, I never think I should be doing this or that.”

The fact Redknapp is the people’s choice is inescapable. If he masterminded a triumph at Euro 2012, he would get all the credit. Should it all go wrong, Fabio Capello will get the blame.

However, Redknapp has been around for far too long to be drawn into the belief that he is untouchable.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, it is aggro,” he said.

“You know what’s coming. When someone like Capello finds it hard going, it has got to be hard going and no-one likes personal abuse, do they?

“Everybody always thinks they can pick a better team than the manager, so you have to make sure your team wins then no-one can argue with you. But if you get beaten, you’ve got a problem.”

Redknapp added: “England have got great players, it’s about getting the best out of them.

“It’s the same for everyone. If the editor is telling you you’re doing a great job, you feel good. If he keeps telling you you are rubbish, it’s murder. Your confidence goes.

“We all want a pat on the back.

x

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited