Harry Redknapp’s shock departure from Tottenham Hotspur is still fresh in the mindset but the rumour mill is already in full flow about his next job in football. Redknapp has openly stated that he is hungry for another challenge and has even boldly declared that he expects to find a new job in the next couple of weeks, although in reality he could be forced to wait a while.
Redknapp’s sacking two weeks ago came at an unfortunate time for the 65-year-old as he missed out on a number of top jobs, including Chelsea and Liverpool. It also meant he was unable to get himself in the running for the vacancies at Swansea, Norwich, West Brom and Aston Villa, with Spurs now the only top flight club looking for a new manager.
Paddy Power’s Harry Redknapp Next Job market reveals that former club West Ham is his most likely suitor, with Redknapp priced at 4/1 to make a sensational return to Upton Park. During his seven years in charge of the Hammers Redknapp made them an established Premier League side and was also credited in developing the club’s academy, bringing through the likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. If the East London club were to get off to a poor start to the new Premier League season then manager Sam Allardyce would be on the ropes and as a result a Redknapp return could be on the cards.
Despite being the overwhelming favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England manager Redknapp was harshly ignored by the Football Association, who favoured Roy Hodgson. However, Redknapp can be still be found at 11/2 to manage England next, although Hodgson’s contract runs through until the next European Championships, making it a very unlikely option.
Redknapp can be backed at 15/2 to join another of his former club's Southampton. However, this is again unlikely as Nigel Adkins is worshipped at St Mary’s after leading the club to consecutive promotions from League One up to the Premier League. Many Saints fans are also still bitter about how Redknapp ditched them for rivals Portsmouth in December 2005.
At 15/2 QPR could be a more realistic option but similarly to Allardyce Mark Hughes would have to get off to a dreadful start to the new season for this to be possible. Meanwhile both Everton and Newcastle, who he rejected in 2008, are available at 10/1, with Fulham and Man City both priced at 12/1. For the more ambitious punters among you Redknapp can be backed at 500/1 to become the next Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Harry Redknapp Next Job Specials
Odds courtesy of Paddy Power.
