FORMER TOTTENHAM MANAGER Harry Redknapp made a surprise return to the game on Friday after accepting an advisory role at League One club Bournemouth.
Redknapp was sacked by Spurs at the end of last season after falling out with chairman Daniel Levy and has been linked with several managerial jobs since then including his former club Southampton and the Russia national team post.
But the 65-year-old, who led Spurs to a fourth place finish in the Premier League last season, has been tempted back to work by a less glamourous position as an advisor to another of his old clubs.
Redknapp began his managerial career with Bournemouth in 1983, helping them escape relegation from the Football League in his first season before masterminding a shock FA Cup win over holders Manchester United in 1984.
He also won the old Third Division title in 1986-87 and the former West Ham boss has jumped at the opportunity to help out one of his local clubs — Redknapp lives nearby in the exclusive Sandbanks area — on a temporary basis.
Redknapp, who has agreed to act as a sounding board for manager Paul Groves and his staff, will travel with the squad to Saturday’s League One clash with Yeovil at Huish Park.
Chairman Eddie Mitchell told Bournemouth’s website: “I met Harry for a chat this morning and he offered to come in on a voluntary basis.
“He still has a passion for the club and for football and he’s got too much to offer for us to let him slip through our fingers.“It’s been in my mind for quite some time to get him involved, and the timing seems to be perfect for us to tap into his knowledge.”
Groves and his assistant Shaun Brooks were members of Redknapp’s backroom team during his second spell as Portsmouth manager when the club won the FA Cup in 2008.
Mitchell added: “Paul and Shaun will still have the final say on all football matters, there’s no doubt about that.
“They’re very astute people and they’re not above listening to anyone and I’m sure they can learn from him.”
That’s exactly where he should be playing for Ireland with Stevens and Doherty as wing backs
@Nicholas Ryan: yup, nowhere near the standard in the position he has previously excelled at. But same accusation can be made of the lad playing in front of him for Ireland. Neither him or McClain have been anywhere near to International standard for well over a year….
@ℝ: In fairness, you could at least say that McClain was somewhat distracted with shooting those die hard movies
@Stephen Lyons: haha
@Nicholas Ryan: totally agree. With the players we have available to us that’s the formation we should be playing and personal also.
@Nicholas Ryan: I agree. Similar to Gary Nev when he switched from Right Back to Centre Back. With Doherty at RB, it’s a strong part of the Irish lineup
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