Redknapp: It’s a silly old game

PORTSMOUTH manager Harry Redknapp is convinced Steve McClaren’s new status as favourite for the England job makes no sense at all.

It is not that Redknapp doesn’t rate McClaren, whose in-form Middlesbrough side are due at Fratton Park today, as a high-calibre coach. Quite the opposite.

“Just a few weeks ago Steve McClaren was way out of the reckoning, and Stuart Pearce was way in,” Redknapp said. “That tells you everything about being a football manager, and how silly this game is. You lose a few games and suddenly you are out of the picture; you win a few and you are the new favourite.”