Media-darling Harry Redknapp beams; omnipotent above a blazingly-beautiful early-evening London skyline, comfortable, master of all he surveys - yet his 'golden beams' may be melting his own face. There he was, projected to the Nation and given a platform for his tuppence-worth on a strangely Spurs-obsessed episode of Football Focus - and the net result - you guessed it,more cushty backslapping and no taxing questions (maybe arranged in some pre-agreed contract?).
Lets consider the parameters of Harry's managerial career. Here it is:
| Teams managed | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983–1992 | Bournemouth | ||
| 1994–2001 | West Ham United | ||
| 2002–2004 | Portsmouth | ||
| 2004–2005 | Southampton | ||
| 2005–2008 | Portsmouth | ||
| 2008– | Tottenham Hotspur | ||
How many of those teams are currently in financial crisis? 4 out of 5. Which one isn't (yet)? Why, its current charges, Tottenham Hotspur.
Now lets consider " 'Arry's" reputation: cheeky chappie, Cockney wheeler dealer, loves a gamble in the transfer market, eminently quotable as he emits soundbites as if they were ghastly unfashionable utterances - net result = media darling. "Oh Harry! What wit! How we lap up all he says without question!", didn't say one of his many Fleet Street hack fans/devotees.
Now lets look at the wreckage, first up, humble Bournemouth AFC. Ignore the FA Cup result attained way-back-when (you know the one, 4th tier Bournemouth eliminating top division Manchester United with a solitary goal victory in the 80s during Harry's first season as a manager), and fast forward to the present day. Bournemouth faced a High Court winding-up order, have had a transfer embargo imposed and basically should be out of existence, but for the miracles being worked by the League's youngest manager Eddie Howe and the gargantuan efforts of the fans and a new board. The Cherries soldier on, but for how long?
Talking of High Court winding-up orders, another pleading to get on Harry's CV is Premier League Portsmouth FC. Pompey, the 2008 FA Cup Winners and 08-09 UEFA Cup participants, that faced sides as illustrious as AC Milan whilst on their European soujourn, are on the brink of collapse. A side replete with internationals, all of whom were bought and subsequently sold on at profits (source: H. Redknapp) have become the laughing-stock of football, much to the chagrin of their loyal, (mostly) long-suffering support, who thought they were finally getting to enjoy their day in the sun. Well they did, and it was back in May 2008.
South-coast neighbours Southampton FC remember Harry too. Whence and thence, there and back to Pompey, he successfully relegated them and now they have fallen further to their now lowly standing in the third tier of English football. Here, the renowned motivator was in full-swing. It was the promise of avoiding relegation that was supposed to galvanise the troops - objective failed. Harry probably didn't much fancy the Championship, especially given the ignominy of having Sir Clive Woodward, the Rugby World Cup-winning coach of England appointed as Director of Football.
That leaves West Ham United FC. Or, as they were once known, 'Arry's 'Appy 'Ammers! As the French would almost probably definitely say, quelle ironie. Here was the place where the 'Cheeky Cockney Chappie' cultivated the reputation of the wheeler-dealer. The team were even sponsored by local Ford factory Dagenham Motors, possibly to add kudos and credence to this image. Who can forget the inspired signings of players such as Marco Boogers (sent off in first game for a viscious assault, never looked, er, at again?), (the previously excellent) Florin Raducioiou (a prototype Pavluychenko?) or Paulo Futre (who?). Currently toying with relegation, they almost collapsed too, following the failure of their then-effective-owners, the Icelandic bank Straumaur, and who are now run by vendors of top-shelf publications who really, really want to call the London Olympic Stadium home and who seem to love berating the beleagured and balding/greying/balding manager Gianfranco Zola.
And Harry in all this? No mea culpa! This is in NO WAY a trail of destruction that suggests Harry gets out whilst the going's good and clubs crumble around him. Not at all. It must be coincidence and down to mis-management at board level. As Nike told Pele to say, "JOGA BONITO!". Under Harry, many of them did play beautifully, now many just hope to play.
---FIN---
That was beautiful. You definitely have to be a football journalist. I think Harry Redknapp often looks like he's harbouring a deep dark secret. And his face is folding under the pressure.
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