Redknapp has happy Lennon back in tune
The former Leeds winger cut a sorry figure under previous head coach Juande Ramos, targeted by the White Hart Lane faithful and apparently on his way out of the club in January.
But Redknapp has worked his magic on Lennon and his sublime performance yesterday, which saw him set up Roman Pavlyuchenko’s winner with a thrilling burst down the right flank and then entice the fouls that resulted in Martin Olsson’s first-half red card, prompted Redknapp to call for him to be reinstated to the England squad.
Lennon was taken to the last World Cup and then found himself out of favour, but Redknapp believes a rethink is in order.
“If he starts seeing him play like that he’ll put himself in the picture again,” Redknapp said. “There is nothing to stop him because there are not many wingers around who can do what he does. Lennon is exciting. He was the wonderkid at the last World Cup, then he was off the radar and not getting a game here. I think his confidence is coming back.”
Olsson endured a miserable afternoon as it was his error that led to Lennon racing down the right in the 10th minute and squaring to Pavlyuchenko to seal the victory.
“I’ve been getting better and better since the new boss has come in and this was probably my best performance,” Lennon said.
“But it’s not just me it’s everyone in general, he’s given us confidence and freedom to play.
“He’s given me license to get at people and that’s my game really. It’s been a hard start to the season and now we’re glad to get out of [the bottom three] again. Hopefully we can carry on and push up the table now.”
The result meant mixed emotions for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who was given a warm reception on his return to Spurs after leaving them in the summer.
Capello has also been urged to look at Robinson after leaving him out of the action for last week’s friendly in Germany.
“I was very annoyed,” said Rovers boss Paul Ince. “Clem (England goalkeeper coach Ray Clemence) has been to see him three times and two of those times he was outstanding.
“Why he wasn’t playing baffled me. I was angry at that. He showed it again coming here. I told him he didn’t have to prove a point – as far as I’m concerned he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.”
After Olsson was sent off in the 39th minute, Ince accused Spurs coach Joe Jordan of trying to get more players dismissed, leading to a row between the pair at half-time.
“Joe Jordan was talking to the referee about Andre Ooijer and Lennon, (saying) he kicked him two or three times,” Ince said.
“We’ve already got a man sent off and he’s trying to get another sent off.”
TOTTENHAM (4-4-2): Gomes 6, Corluka 6, Woodgate 6, King 7, Assou-Ekotto 6, Bentley 6 (O’Hara 86, 5), Jenas 6, Huddlestone 6, Lennon 7, Pavlyuchenko 6 (Campbell 74, 5), Bent 5.
Subs Not Used: Cesar, Bale, Zokora, Gunter, Dawson.
BLACKBURN (4-4-2): Robinson 7, Ooijer 5, Samba 6, Nelsen 6, Olsson 5, Emerton 6 (Derbyshire 71, 5), Andrews 5, Mokoena 5, Pedersen 5 (Treacy 81, 5), McCarthy 5 (Simpson 46, 6), Roque Santa Cruz 6.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Kerimoglu, Fowler, Roberts.
REFEREE: Howard Webb (South Yorkshire) 7: Little choice but to send off Olsson, although it spoiled the game as a contest.
MATCH RATING: ** A dour battle in keeping with the sides’ lowly positions.
Paul Ince has spiced up life in the dug-out since his appointment at Blackburn.
23 Oct: Infuriates Old Firm duo Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith by claiming Celtic were “embarrassed” and looked like “boys” in their 3-0 Champions League defeat at Manchester United.
9 Nov: Involved in a furious confrontation with Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins after Rovers’ 2-0 defeat at Ewood Park. Ince takes umbrage at Wilkins’ pre-match comments that Blackburn are a physical side.
23 Nov: Rows with Tottenham assistant manager Joe Jordan at half-time, accusing the Scot of trying to get his Rovers players sent off.
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