A Betfred spokesman has just admitted on Talksport that they've had good money from people usually in the know for Harry Redknapp to be manager of a London club in the Premier League by 1st September. West Ham Fulham QPR Arsenal Chelsea Tottenham ??? Cerny - can you shed any light on this - 'no truth' I suspect?
West Ham are in the same place as the Rs were last time around (and arguably where they're still at). They've got Toad of Toad Hall, the Rs had Warnock; both having what it takes to get a team successfully through the Championship, but not exactly exponents of the beautiful game and champions of what is required to produce an attractive, winning team in the PL. That aside, I can't see why the Hammers would change their manager this early on, particularly when Toad has just got them up, unless there are behind-the-scenes issues which have made his position untenable. A note on the Rs: what disappoints me is how so much goodwill, built up over many years, has quickly evaporated across the footballing community. QPR used to be well-regarded by fans of other teams for their attractive football and showmanship; entertaining characters and punching above their weight. Since coming back up after 16 years away, we seem to be acquiring a new reputation of ill-discipline, yellow and red cards (at least last time out), route one tactics and headless chicken performances. It has been left to Swansea to win friends and gather plaudits.. and rightly so in my opinion. All this ill-feeling with Swans fans is probably borne of jealousy. I admit that I'm jealous. When was the last time we lost a manager to him being poached instead of sacked? It is interesting to note that the two teams promoted with the Rs, Norwich and Swansea, have both lost their managers on account of their first-season success in the PL. Whereas the Rs, going up as champions, lose theirs because of poor performances. No disrespect to Hughton - whom I believe is a decent man - but I think Norwich have erred by adopting a cheaper, more pragmatic managerial replacement policy. The Swans, in appointing Laudrup, appear to have been far bolder, looking at the foundations laid down by Martinez and Rodgers (I'll ignore our old mate, Sousa) and going for more of the same and then some. Of course, only time will tell whether the appointments of Laudrup, Hughton and Hughes will prove successful and inspired. But, right here and right now, I know which man I'd have preferred at Loftus Road.
Can't quite see why West Ham would get rid of Allardyce when he got them promoted and so far has won one of two. Edit - just seen Uber's note and agree with comments on W Ham
No club - just gossip........ HR won't be managing a London Pl club by Sept 1st - now that's the bet to have !!
Considering there are no PL games between now and then, he won't be managing anyone by 1 Sep. And why would he join at the end of the transfer window?
Press conference due with HR on roadside with mic shoved into car window! Classic Sky Sports scenario!
Hampton and Richmond....nice little ground! Harry will need a lot of footballs as they disappear out of the ground very easily.
The only 2 it can be are QPR or WHU and we are massive long shots. Just checked the WH board and an IYKer reckons its them.
