nayimfromthehalfwayline
Andy Thompson
Had we not already coped with his heart surgery and court case this season so well I would be a lot more concerned at the idea of him being England manager for the next few months...
-
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O/T Capello Resigns / New England Manager Speculation Thread
- Thread starter southstand1882
- Start date
Matt THFC
Paul Moran
Yeah, he was the guy with the Nelson ITK at the end of the last window
Leeds Spur
Banned
2-3 years?
Wont take 12 months
Wont take 12 months
Bedfordspurs
Mark Falco
A very valid comment although neither of them has done spectacularly well ate club there currently at!
A big difference also is the style of Rodgers team compared to any of the teams managed by his peers. It's almost revolutionary to have a British team playing a passing game of that level without it being a top top side and the manager hasn't done that as a fluke.
Yep. No contest for me.
Crab.C.Nesbitt
Bobby Mimms
Yes,yes it is. Sing yer farkin hearts out everyone who'sthere on saturday!!!
Harry Redknapp ready to say yes to England job on temporary basis for Euro 2012 after Fabio Capello's exit
Harry Redknapp is interested in taking charge of England for this summer’s European Championships but the FA will have to persuade him to lead the team into the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
A four-man FA group meets at Wembley on Friday to begin drawing up the shortest of shortlists to find a successor to Fabio Capello, with the Tottenham Hotspur manager as the No 1 candidate.
The clamour for Redknapp to guide England into Poland and Ukraine is becoming deafening, the noise intensified by supporters – and increasingly players – who have been tweeting their desire for Harry Hotspur to answer his country’s call.
Agreeing to do the job initially only for this summer, including the warm-ups against Norway and Belgium, would be a shrewd move by Redknapp.
It would ensure his avoiding the grief that stalks England managers during tournaments. It would keep his stock high, seeing him hailed as the man who accepted the most difficult of rescue missions.
Just call him “Redknapp Adair”. It would also keep open the attractive option of steering Spurs on another Champions League adventure.
Redknapp yesterday insisted he was focused fully on Spurs. “Tottenham have been fantastic and it wouldn’t be right to focus on anything other than them,” he said. “I have not thought about England. The FA will make whatever decision they want to make and, hopefully, it will be right for the country.”
Redknapp is in a win-win situation, a point sure to be put to him at this morning’s briefing at Spurs Lodge. He is the man of the moment, the manager perceived in possession of the Midas touch.
Even if England slump to their usual dispiriting knockout-stage denouement there will still be a huge desire for Redknapp to remain. The players want him. The fans want him. An admiring media is hardly going to do a reverse ferret so quickly. A summer love-in is guaranteed.
Unless FA officials can convince him of England’s long-term attractions before the Euros, they will need to spend July sweet-talking Redknapp and then seeking to negotiate a settlement with Spurs.
If Redknapp rejected the FA’s advances to hold their hand down the road to Rio 2014, he would depart with the gratitude of the nation for stepping in to the breach and good wishes for the Champions League. If he accepted, fanfares would emanate from the Wembley rooftops.
What is clear is that Redknapp wants to manage England at the Euros.
The FA accepted yesterday that the man for Krakow may not necessarily be the man for Rio 2014.
“I would probably draw the distinction between a manager long term and a manager for the tournament,’’ said Alex Horne, the general secretary of the FA. “We have got some flexibility when we consider the options.”
In starting the process of finding Capello’s successor today, Horne will be joined by the FA chairman, David Bernstein, the Club England managing director Adrian Bevington and the FA director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking.
Bernstein acknowledged that the Euro 2012 manager may not be England’s long-term option.
“I would say that is a possibility,’’ said the FA chairman. “I am only talking common sense. We are not prepared to restrict ourselves at this stage. He might be English, he might be British, he might not be. He might be for the Euros only, he might be long term. We need to look at all options.’’
Tottenham, for their part, suggested yesterday they will fight for their man, with non-executive director Sir Keith Mills also suggesting a job-share until the summer would be unworkable.
“If he is clearly approached then Harry has a big decision to make.” he said.
“I know he loves the club. He’s managing a top three team in the biggest league. Clearly it’s not an ideal scenario and trying to do two jobs is a stretch for anyone.”
Even so, all indications point to Redknapp. “We want to make an appointment that the public are positive about and that excites the fans but we can’t be driven by that,’’ said Bernstein.
“If you only have one candidate, then it makes a very difficult situation indeed when negotiating.’’
Everyone thinks it will be Redknapp. “We understand the feeling of the nation and supporters,’’ said Horne.
“Fans are very important when it comes to choosing the right person for the job. But we have to look long-term and give ourselves as many options as are available.’’
Bernstein admitted that the FA days of spend, spend, spend on overseas managers are over. “Clearly there have been large amounts of money involved,” Bernstein admitted of the ?ú50 million-plus lavished on Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.
“We should [in the future] pay a sensible amount of money for the right person.
"We are not going to do anything on the cheap. We will pay the proper market rate for the right person for the job.’’
England’s power brokers gave an insight into the manager they were chasing, somebody embracing all the national age groups, an area occasionally neglected by Capello.
“We are looking for someone who will have the respect of the players, who has a good track record, hopefully someone that will excite and inspire the fans and we believe can play a really important role at St George’s Park,’’ said Bevington, mentioning the National Football Centre at Burton, which opens this summer.
“We are not looking for someone to set out the whole coaching philosophy for the organisation but someone who can go into the Under-17s dressing-room and explain the importance of international football, someone who can go away with the Under-21s, someone who can be a real motivator to the younger players and send out a message about how important it is to play for England.
"We want someone who can have a good relationship with club managers and coaches. And ultimately we are looking for someone to go and be successful on the pitch – European Championships and World Cup.’’
Many of those characteristics, particularly the patriotism and inspirational qualities, would be associated with Redknapp.
Brooking, who knows Redknapp well, lent perspective.
“Let’s be a bit realistic,’’ said the former England international. “We have gone 46 years without winning something. Let’s not think that whoever comes in is going to suddenly start delivering us titles.”
Major work is required at schoolboy level, developing two-footed, responsibility-taking players. The FA, to its credit, is addressing such flaws, urging counties to adopt small-sided games.
In the most important 11 v 11 combat, the FA needs Redknapp for the Euros and beyond.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/article9073457.ece
Harry Redknapp is interested in taking charge of England for this summer’s European Championships but the FA will have to persuade him to lead the team into the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
A four-man FA group meets at Wembley on Friday to begin drawing up the shortest of shortlists to find a successor to Fabio Capello, with the Tottenham Hotspur manager as the No 1 candidate.
The clamour for Redknapp to guide England into Poland and Ukraine is becoming deafening, the noise intensified by supporters – and increasingly players – who have been tweeting their desire for Harry Hotspur to answer his country’s call.
Agreeing to do the job initially only for this summer, including the warm-ups against Norway and Belgium, would be a shrewd move by Redknapp.
It would ensure his avoiding the grief that stalks England managers during tournaments. It would keep his stock high, seeing him hailed as the man who accepted the most difficult of rescue missions.
Just call him “Redknapp Adair”. It would also keep open the attractive option of steering Spurs on another Champions League adventure.
Redknapp yesterday insisted he was focused fully on Spurs. “Tottenham have been fantastic and it wouldn’t be right to focus on anything other than them,” he said. “I have not thought about England. The FA will make whatever decision they want to make and, hopefully, it will be right for the country.”
Redknapp is in a win-win situation, a point sure to be put to him at this morning’s briefing at Spurs Lodge. He is the man of the moment, the manager perceived in possession of the Midas touch.
Even if England slump to their usual dispiriting knockout-stage denouement there will still be a huge desire for Redknapp to remain. The players want him. The fans want him. An admiring media is hardly going to do a reverse ferret so quickly. A summer love-in is guaranteed.
Unless FA officials can convince him of England’s long-term attractions before the Euros, they will need to spend July sweet-talking Redknapp and then seeking to negotiate a settlement with Spurs.
If Redknapp rejected the FA’s advances to hold their hand down the road to Rio 2014, he would depart with the gratitude of the nation for stepping in to the breach and good wishes for the Champions League. If he accepted, fanfares would emanate from the Wembley rooftops.
What is clear is that Redknapp wants to manage England at the Euros.
The FA accepted yesterday that the man for Krakow may not necessarily be the man for Rio 2014.
“I would probably draw the distinction between a manager long term and a manager for the tournament,’’ said Alex Horne, the general secretary of the FA. “We have got some flexibility when we consider the options.”
In starting the process of finding Capello’s successor today, Horne will be joined by the FA chairman, David Bernstein, the Club England managing director Adrian Bevington and the FA director of football development, Sir Trevor Brooking.
Bernstein acknowledged that the Euro 2012 manager may not be England’s long-term option.
“I would say that is a possibility,’’ said the FA chairman. “I am only talking common sense. We are not prepared to restrict ourselves at this stage. He might be English, he might be British, he might not be. He might be for the Euros only, he might be long term. We need to look at all options.’’
Tottenham, for their part, suggested yesterday they will fight for their man, with non-executive director Sir Keith Mills also suggesting a job-share until the summer would be unworkable.
“If he is clearly approached then Harry has a big decision to make.” he said.
“I know he loves the club. He’s managing a top three team in the biggest league. Clearly it’s not an ideal scenario and trying to do two jobs is a stretch for anyone.”
Even so, all indications point to Redknapp. “We want to make an appointment that the public are positive about and that excites the fans but we can’t be driven by that,’’ said Bernstein.
“If you only have one candidate, then it makes a very difficult situation indeed when negotiating.’’
Everyone thinks it will be Redknapp. “We understand the feeling of the nation and supporters,’’ said Horne.
“Fans are very important when it comes to choosing the right person for the job. But we have to look long-term and give ourselves as many options as are available.’’
Bernstein admitted that the FA days of spend, spend, spend on overseas managers are over. “Clearly there have been large amounts of money involved,” Bernstein admitted of the ?ú50 million-plus lavished on Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.
“We should [in the future] pay a sensible amount of money for the right person.
"We are not going to do anything on the cheap. We will pay the proper market rate for the right person for the job.’’
England’s power brokers gave an insight into the manager they were chasing, somebody embracing all the national age groups, an area occasionally neglected by Capello.
“We are looking for someone who will have the respect of the players, who has a good track record, hopefully someone that will excite and inspire the fans and we believe can play a really important role at St George’s Park,’’ said Bevington, mentioning the National Football Centre at Burton, which opens this summer.
“We are not looking for someone to set out the whole coaching philosophy for the organisation but someone who can go into the Under-17s dressing-room and explain the importance of international football, someone who can go away with the Under-21s, someone who can be a real motivator to the younger players and send out a message about how important it is to play for England.
"We want someone who can have a good relationship with club managers and coaches. And ultimately we are looking for someone to go and be successful on the pitch – European Championships and World Cup.’’
Many of those characteristics, particularly the patriotism and inspirational qualities, would be associated with Redknapp.
Brooking, who knows Redknapp well, lent perspective.
“Let’s be a bit realistic,’’ said the former England international. “We have gone 46 years without winning something. Let’s not think that whoever comes in is going to suddenly start delivering us titles.”
Major work is required at schoolboy level, developing two-footed, responsibility-taking players. The FA, to its credit, is addressing such flaws, urging counties to adopt small-sided games.
In the most important 11 v 11 combat, the FA needs Redknapp for the Euros and beyond.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/article9073457.ece
ricky2tricky4city
Steffen Freund
When i heard this interview earlier, the bit bolded above definately sounded to me an assurance to redknapp, that there will be plenty to keep you busy and a cute answer to his 'it might be a bit boring' worries.
mick cooper
Neil Sullivan
Sandro, if he can stay fit for more than 5 games in a row, will go to partner Modric
Sandro is a beast, who will go on to be feted as McKays love child
Sandro is soooo much better than parker
and carrick
and yes I know they are not similar players
but similar enough
same number of heads, legs, arms etc
mick cooper
Neil Sullivan
why did you choose hootnow as a monniker?
jamonserrano
John Scales
Until the next transfer window.
spurspinter1
Steve Carr
I fudging love Sandro. A big shame he's struggled for fitness this season. Parker is short term, Sandro is the future.
mick cooper
Neil Sullivan
100%
marcospur2
Ronnie Rosenthal
That would be my worry. Harry is central to what we have done, hope he stays at least until summer.
Superhudd
Simon Davies
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2099049/Jamie-Redknapp-Dad-England-Tottenham.html
My family has gone from one storm to another... but I prefer this one
By Jamie Redknapp
Last updated at 11:01 PM on 9th February 2012
The only time that can compare to the feeling of relief and joy of my dad’s unanimous verdict was when my two boys were born.
My dad has been ill worrying about his case. Even in moments of victory — big wins against European powerhouses or Premier League victories — I can see he relaxes into the moment for five minutes. And then he is back to worrying, projecting.
He has been anxious and angry. Worrying about my mum, who is a gentle and soft person. Worrying about what would happen to her if he ended up with a guilty verdict.
Each day in the court brought a different emotion. Fear and anger were always there, but there were moments of comedy, too.
Two weeks together and we used the time well while my brother Mark and my wife Louise looked after mum. It was easier being there because I could see it with my own eyes and make my own judgments.
I need to thank the people at Tottenham who were there with us every day, as well as Richard Bevan of the League Managers Association.
You find out who your friends are at times like this. The messages of support for my dad were important to him. Mike Ashley, the Saudi Sportswashing Machine chairman, took time to call. So did others. Yesterday, I had a lot of texts from managers, players and friends. I can’t thank them enough. I will remember their support.
Dad’s legal team have been amazing and I should also mention Milan Mandaric, who was also acquitted. I don’t know Milan that well but he behaved with grace and dignity.
I am grateful to the Tottenham fans for their warmth and support to my dad too. That means a lot to him; he was trembling with emotion at the way they welcomed him before the Wigan game. He can go back to enjoying his football now.
WHAT NEXT?
Dad is the manager of Tottenham. He loves his job, loves what they have created and believes they are going places. This is the best squad he’s ever worked with.
We have spoken about the amazing developments this week, of course we have. Over breakfast the day when Matt Lawton wrote in Sportsmail that Fabio Capello should go, I said to my dad: ‘You could get through this week, dad, and you’re going to have another problem. They could be looking for a new England manager by the end of the week.’
He said: 'No chance it will get to that with Capello, is there?’
I don’t want this to sound selfish, but whatever my dad ends up doing, he has to do what is best for him. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, it’s not meant to, but, after what he has been through for the last five years, it has to be his choice.
He hasn’t been offered the England job, the FA haven’t approached Tottenham and Tottenham aren’t keen to lose him. That’s where we are.
He is overwhelmed by the positive messages from the England players, such as Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, as well as the support of so many Premier League managers. They have been generous with their praise.
But Daniel Levy gave him a job, a job he loves. The Tottenham chairman gave him the position, knowing about the police accusations. He has supported him and — even if they might have their moments — dad likes working for him. Together, they have made Spurs stronger. From the bottom of the league when dad took over to where they are now. It has been some journey.
ROARING LIONSI can't agree that we don’t have the players. Look at this lot: Phil Jones, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wheelchair, Kyle Walker, Joe Hart. Then there is Gerrard. And Wayne Rooney.
Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world as far as I am concerned.
In the game between Manchester United and Chelsea last weekend, we had Welbeck on one team and Sturridge on the other, playing in a big top-of-the-table game. Young, hungry, dynamic English strikers.
So we do have exciting players. We just need the right manager. Sounds like a good job for someone!
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...napp-Dad-England-Tottenham.html#ixzz1lwJTi6cd
My family has gone from one storm to another... but I prefer this one
By Jamie Redknapp
Last updated at 11:01 PM on 9th February 2012
The only time that can compare to the feeling of relief and joy of my dad’s unanimous verdict was when my two boys were born.
My dad has been ill worrying about his case. Even in moments of victory — big wins against European powerhouses or Premier League victories — I can see he relaxes into the moment for five minutes. And then he is back to worrying, projecting.
He has been anxious and angry. Worrying about my mum, who is a gentle and soft person. Worrying about what would happen to her if he ended up with a guilty verdict.
Each day in the court brought a different emotion. Fear and anger were always there, but there were moments of comedy, too.
Two weeks together and we used the time well while my brother Mark and my wife Louise looked after mum. It was easier being there because I could see it with my own eyes and make my own judgments.
I need to thank the people at Tottenham who were there with us every day, as well as Richard Bevan of the League Managers Association.
You find out who your friends are at times like this. The messages of support for my dad were important to him. Mike Ashley, the Saudi Sportswashing Machine chairman, took time to call. So did others. Yesterday, I had a lot of texts from managers, players and friends. I can’t thank them enough. I will remember their support.
Dad’s legal team have been amazing and I should also mention Milan Mandaric, who was also acquitted. I don’t know Milan that well but he behaved with grace and dignity.
I am grateful to the Tottenham fans for their warmth and support to my dad too. That means a lot to him; he was trembling with emotion at the way they welcomed him before the Wigan game. He can go back to enjoying his football now.
WHAT NEXT?
Dad is the manager of Tottenham. He loves his job, loves what they have created and believes they are going places. This is the best squad he’s ever worked with.
We have spoken about the amazing developments this week, of course we have. Over breakfast the day when Matt Lawton wrote in Sportsmail that Fabio Capello should go, I said to my dad: ‘You could get through this week, dad, and you’re going to have another problem. They could be looking for a new England manager by the end of the week.’
He said: 'No chance it will get to that with Capello, is there?’
I don’t want this to sound selfish, but whatever my dad ends up doing, he has to do what is best for him. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, it’s not meant to, but, after what he has been through for the last five years, it has to be his choice.
He hasn’t been offered the England job, the FA haven’t approached Tottenham and Tottenham aren’t keen to lose him. That’s where we are.
He is overwhelmed by the positive messages from the England players, such as Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, as well as the support of so many Premier League managers. They have been generous with their praise.
But Daniel Levy gave him a job, a job he loves. The Tottenham chairman gave him the position, knowing about the police accusations. He has supported him and — even if they might have their moments — dad likes working for him. Together, they have made Spurs stronger. From the bottom of the league when dad took over to where they are now. It has been some journey.
ROARING LIONSI can't agree that we don’t have the players. Look at this lot: Phil Jones, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wheelchair, Kyle Walker, Joe Hart. Then there is Gerrard. And Wayne Rooney.
Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world as far as I am concerned.
In the game between Manchester United and Chelsea last weekend, we had Welbeck on one team and Sturridge on the other, playing in a big top-of-the-table game. Young, hungry, dynamic English strikers.
So we do have exciting players. We just need the right manager. Sounds like a good job for someone!
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...napp-Dad-England-Tottenham.html#ixzz1lwJTi6cd
Last edited:
A
arabspur
Guest
Few things really bother me here
First..Everybody is just talking about england and what england need but no one seems to think what about his current team and how is this going to impact them..
Second...How is it that you cannot talk about a player who plays for another team but yet talk about a manager who is contracted to another team?
The FA is supposed to be the neutral party here who oversees the league competition..and not do anything that (in any way) impacts one of the teams in those competitions. How can they allow for this to continue knowing that they are disrupting a title contender or a top 4 contender for the benefit of the teams around them? I know it's the media who stirs all this but the FA should come out and say 'until the summer the FA will not contact any manager involved with a team in the league' End of..
I am a Tottenham fan first and foremost..if Harry decides to leave in the summer we move on..but at this critical point of time of this great season I see every body is ignoring OUR interest..
First..Everybody is just talking about england and what england need but no one seems to think what about his current team and how is this going to impact them..
Second...How is it that you cannot talk about a player who plays for another team but yet talk about a manager who is contracted to another team?
The FA is supposed to be the neutral party here who oversees the league competition..and not do anything that (in any way) impacts one of the teams in those competitions. How can they allow for this to continue knowing that they are disrupting a title contender or a top 4 contender for the benefit of the teams around them? I know it's the media who stirs all this but the FA should come out and say 'until the summer the FA will not contact any manager involved with a team in the league' End of..
I am a Tottenham fan first and foremost..if Harry decides to leave in the summer we move on..but at this critical point of time of this great season I see every body is ignoring OUR interest..
Enter the Pitbull
Luke Young
Milan Mandaric: My friend Harry Redknapp is an exceptional manager
The Sheffield Wednesday chairman feels sure his one-time employee has the qualities to succeed with England
Milan Mandaric
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 9 February 2012 23.00 GMT Article history
For myself, the verdicts at the court were the right thing; for Harry Redknapp, well, somebody was clearly writing the script for a beautiful life. Who could have imagined that he would walk free in the morning from the court and just a few hours later Fabio Capello would resign, leaving Harry as the favourite to take over as the next England manager.
I know Harry as a friend, I also employed and worked with him as a manager, and, although it is not my place to say that a man managing at a top club, Tottenham Hotspur, should leave that club, I believe he is the right man for England. Harry has come up step by step, from Bournemouth, because he has the talent.
He has two major qualities which make him an exceptional football manager. He is great at assembling a team, at seeing what I call the whole puzzle, and secondly, the players love him. Harry understands that the team is not all about the most skilful player in each position; it is about how the players work together. To get the best out of Gareth Bale, for example, it is also about who is playing alongside him. With Harry, two plus two always makes five, not three. Harry sees the whole picture.
People think Harry is likeable and charming and this is why he has done well, but it is much more than that; he has insight. It is the same with the players; they don't love him just because he is loveable, they love him for what he gets out of them. He understands what is going on with all of them, what their issues are, what they need. When he feels it necessary, as you saw in court, he can be not friendly at all and will use a few fiery words. You will see sandwiches and the Coca-Cola flying in the dressing room if needed. But the players love him because he knows how to get the best out of them. I talked to Brad Friedel, about how he likes Harry at Tottenham. Brad said to me: "He is special. He knows how to deal with every player."
I always remember one example, of Steve Stone, when he was with us at Portsmouth. It was the week of the April 2004 match against Manchester United, the one mentioned so much in court. I was in Dubai, and somebody told me Steve Stone is on the beach. I said that was impossible, but I went outside and, from the back, as I got closer, I saw it was Steve Stone. He jumped up and said: "Hello chairman," and told me he was in good shape, that the gaffer had sent him for some time off.
I called Harry. I said: "I've just seen Steve Stone on the beach in Dubai." Harry said: "He's getting uptight, I need him to be fresh." And in the game, against Manchester United, who scored the only goal, who was the man of the match? Steve Stone. This is why the players love Harry.
You will see Harry on the training ground but mostly he is concerned with the bigger picture, he leaves the physical conditioning to others, to Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan – and look how loyal he has been to them.
I think he will thrive with England for a particular reason, too. At Portsmouth with me he never had big budgets to buy expensive players; the big signings were made after I left. At Tottenham he has had money, yes, but not on the scale of the other top clubs. Like I said in court, were they asking me to talk about the Harry I wanted to strangle, or the Harry I loved – because he was always asking for money, for two more players. I used to say to him: just once, tell me you only need one player! But for him to manage the international team, so that he can have any player in England, that will be his player, and he does not have to twist the arm of a chairman. He will be able to manage, to get the best out of those players.
I feel the script was written on Wednesday, it was incredible, and the country would not be able to find a better man.
The Sheffield Wednesday chairman feels sure his one-time employee has the qualities to succeed with England
Milan Mandaric
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 9 February 2012 23.00 GMT Article history
For myself, the verdicts at the court were the right thing; for Harry Redknapp, well, somebody was clearly writing the script for a beautiful life. Who could have imagined that he would walk free in the morning from the court and just a few hours later Fabio Capello would resign, leaving Harry as the favourite to take over as the next England manager.
I know Harry as a friend, I also employed and worked with him as a manager, and, although it is not my place to say that a man managing at a top club, Tottenham Hotspur, should leave that club, I believe he is the right man for England. Harry has come up step by step, from Bournemouth, because he has the talent.
He has two major qualities which make him an exceptional football manager. He is great at assembling a team, at seeing what I call the whole puzzle, and secondly, the players love him. Harry understands that the team is not all about the most skilful player in each position; it is about how the players work together. To get the best out of Gareth Bale, for example, it is also about who is playing alongside him. With Harry, two plus two always makes five, not three. Harry sees the whole picture.
People think Harry is likeable and charming and this is why he has done well, but it is much more than that; he has insight. It is the same with the players; they don't love him just because he is loveable, they love him for what he gets out of them. He understands what is going on with all of them, what their issues are, what they need. When he feels it necessary, as you saw in court, he can be not friendly at all and will use a few fiery words. You will see sandwiches and the Coca-Cola flying in the dressing room if needed. But the players love him because he knows how to get the best out of them. I talked to Brad Friedel, about how he likes Harry at Tottenham. Brad said to me: "He is special. He knows how to deal with every player."
I always remember one example, of Steve Stone, when he was with us at Portsmouth. It was the week of the April 2004 match against Manchester United, the one mentioned so much in court. I was in Dubai, and somebody told me Steve Stone is on the beach. I said that was impossible, but I went outside and, from the back, as I got closer, I saw it was Steve Stone. He jumped up and said: "Hello chairman," and told me he was in good shape, that the gaffer had sent him for some time off.
I called Harry. I said: "I've just seen Steve Stone on the beach in Dubai." Harry said: "He's getting uptight, I need him to be fresh." And in the game, against Manchester United, who scored the only goal, who was the man of the match? Steve Stone. This is why the players love Harry.
You will see Harry on the training ground but mostly he is concerned with the bigger picture, he leaves the physical conditioning to others, to Kevin Bond and Joe Jordan – and look how loyal he has been to them.
I think he will thrive with England for a particular reason, too. At Portsmouth with me he never had big budgets to buy expensive players; the big signings were made after I left. At Tottenham he has had money, yes, but not on the scale of the other top clubs. Like I said in court, were they asking me to talk about the Harry I wanted to strangle, or the Harry I loved – because he was always asking for money, for two more players. I used to say to him: just once, tell me you only need one player! But for him to manage the international team, so that he can have any player in England, that will be his player, and he does not have to twist the arm of a chairman. He will be able to manage, to get the best out of those players.
I feel the script was written on Wednesday, it was incredible, and the country would not be able to find a better man.
:lol: