Harry Redknapp-A man who divides opinion

You sometimes wonder in football why people make the decisions they do. Daniel Levy might be an astute businessman but his decision to sack Harry Redknapp, the former England favourite and transfer market specialist, borders on the ridiculous.

Redknapp’s fortunes have changed dramatically since he was cleared of tax evasion in February. On that same day Fabio Capello resigned as England manager and the overwhelming favourite was Harry.

He was vocally backed by media pundits and players alike and it was supposed to be only a matter of time before the FA approached Tottenham. Unfortunately for Redknapp, Roy Hodgson’s international experience paid dividends.

Now, a little over four months later Redknapp finds himself in a position of unfamiliar territory. Never a man to let a media appearance slip by, he spoke at length to Sky Sports reporters out of his car window, something that is he is now synonymous with.

The overriding feeling within the football fraternity is one of both shock and bemusement. Does Mr Levy realistically expect Spurs to challenge the Manchester clubs and a possibly resurgent Chelsea without spending in the transfer market?

The harsh reality for those at White Hart Lane is that the key components of their squad – Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Scott Parker – have developed into top class players under the guidance of Redknapp. Will they feel the same loyalty to the club now?

Tottenham’s fourth place finish was, to this writer, an achievement that should be rewarded. Despite this, there is an inescapable feeling that Spurs could have achieved much more had their form not stuttered. The rumours surrounding the England vacancy had, according to Redknapp, not adversely damaged his players.

A title challenge quickly turned into a battle for third position with rivals Arsenal. The 5-2 defeat at the Emirates, in which Spurs were 2-0 ahead, was a result that can now be looked upon as a season defining moment.

Defeats to Norwich and QPR in the league, and the FA cup semi final humiliation against Chelsea showed a shadow of the team that had played such attractive football up until February.

Some may point to the collapse in confidence and form as evidence for Redknapp’s sacking. However, it should be remembered that Spurs were bottom of the Premier League at the time of Redknapp’s appointment, and just as he had done with West Ham and Portsmouth previously he turned the club’s fortunes around. 

At 64-years-old Harry will feel he has perhaps one more shot at managing a ‘big club’. It is highly unlikely that he will want to drop down the Premier League into mid-table territory and any prospective club will have to meet his ambitions in terms of infrastructure and transfer budget.

This game needs characters and Redknapp is certainly one of the more divisive. He is liked and loathed in equal measure by Pompey fans with the latter taking prominence a little farther down the road at St Mary’s.

No matter what area of football he inhabits next, it is probable we will be seeing Redknapp talking to reporters from inside his car soon.

Gary Peters

For more Football Blogs and opinion from football fans around the world