Harry Redknapp has been a massive force for good at Tottenham since joining the club. There are few people who would dispute that. He joined Spurs when they were in the centre of a huge rut at the start of the 08/09 season. Tottenham, under the leadership of manager Juande Ramos had managed to secure just two points (remember all the tooth-pick jokes?) from their first eight games and were nestled at the bottom of the League.
It’s largely thanks to Redknapp that Spurs managed to both avoid the drop and build for the future. His astute transfer dealings and tendency for getting the best out of his players have seen Spurs rise and rise, qualify for the Champions League – and enjoy some fantastically exciting nights out in Europe.
Despite this, I still have questions regarding Harry’s suitability when it comes to Spurs moving forward. Let’s not forget how little experience Harry has when it comes to managing a club competing at the top of the Premier League. He’s much more experienced in dealing with clubs towards the bottom of the table – given his time at West Ham United, Portsmouth and Southampton.
The signs have been there more than once this season that Harry may not cut it at the very top level. First up, Harry is a lot of things, but he’s not really a tactician. Indeed, he’s much too prone to committing the odd tactical error, or making bad team selections.
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Let’s take last weekend’s game against Wigan. Sandro, Tottenham’s Brazilian midfielder, who has impressed so far this season, is a defensive-minded player. To select him sent out the wrong message – Spurs have to start showing more intent against lesser sides such as Wigan. Even more bemusing was Harry’s decision to force Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart out onto the wings.
Luka Modric is at his best in the centre of the park, controlling the flow of the game. To send him out wide is to castrate him. If Modric has been placed in the centre of the park, it would have justified Harry’s decision to play Sandro. Modric’s creativity would have played counter to Sandro’s defensive mindset. As it was, however, Spurs looked unbalanced and lacked creation in an important area of the pitch. It was this lack of creativity that meant Tottenham could only muster a 0-0 draw.
I also have issues with his transfer policy. Sure he’s keen to shake off the wheeler-dealer tag, but he does seem to focus more on finding a player on the cheap than he does on bringing in the right players for the club. Spurs desperately need a striker and yet it’s the already crowded midfield that receives the most attention.
Let me make it clear – I mean no disrespect to Harry – he’s obviously a fantastic manager, but I hope that Tottenham don’t consider him untouchable. He’s a fantastic man-manager and has done wonders for Spurs up until now, but should Tottenham fail to finish in the top four and should Harry fail to address the centre-forward situation at the club, I honestly believe that the top-brass should start considering their options.
He may have been the catalyst for Tottenham’s revolution – but that doesn’t make him untouchable. Remember, Harry will leave should England come knocking – he’s a career man. Tottenham must adopt a similar mindset. Should Tottenham fail to progress and should a better managerial option come along, discussions must be had.
Read more of Harry’s articles at the excellentThis Is Futbol
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