So, Harry’s gone – get over it!
Within 24 hours of my “Harry Redknapp, love him, loathe him or leave him” article, his departure has been confirmed overnight (13/14.06/12)by the club, and there have been statements by both sides.
Daniel Levy said "This is not a decision the Board and I have taken lightly. Harry arrived at the Club at a time when his experience and approach was exactly what was needed. This decision in no way detracts from the excellent work Harry has done during his time with the Club and I should like to thank him for his achievements and contribution. Harry will always be welcome at the Lane."
Harry’s response was also short, sweet and magnanimous:- "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements. I have had a fantastic four years with the Club, at times the football has been breathtaking. I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there."
It probably took quite a while for the two sides to agree those closing statements in a process, which is not being described as a sacking, nor a resignation, but a departure.
There has been a lot of angst on this morning’s social media, and surprise expressed by people who presumably have not been visiting the various Spurs message boards and forums over the last few weeks, where rumours of Harry’s impending departure have been rife, and came to a head in the 48 hours before his departure was confirmed.
Those who know my views on Harry will know that I am not surprised, nor am I distressed by his departure, but I do demand the re-assurance from the club that Harry’s successor will be clearly identified as an improvement on the last model. The favourites being mooted, such as Moyes and Martinez are fine candidates who have both done excellent jobs at their clubs in difficult circumstances and with limited resources. Let’s face it. Whoever gets the job is going to be on trial with Spurs fans until they can be convinced that Daniel Levy’s decision was the right one.
In my previous piece, I clearly set out Harry’s achievements for us, and we all commend him for that. I feel that this decision to have a parting of the ways is two-fold. It is performance related due to our poor run-in at the end of last season, and the loss of a commanding grip on third place and assured Champions League football. However, Harry adopted an aggressive stance regarding his contract, which had one year to run. He recently appointed an agent, and in my view accepted poor advice in making that public statement about seeking an extended contract. The THFC Board will have taken a very dim view over their employee trying to drive what were pending contract talks.
I ran a survey yesterday, and over 350 people made their views known. The results can be seen here.
It is perhaps surprising that a minority of 32.9% of voters “love” Harry, wanting him to stay at the club, come what may. Yet it is these voices that I am “hearing/reading” most on social media this morning. 45.2% of respondents could “leave” Harry, meaning that if the club found a better replacement, they could live with Harry’s departure. Add to that the figure of 12.8% who “loathe” Harry and couldn’t wait to see him go, and you do have a minority that fully supported Harry Redknapp.
I was lucky enough to be at “An evening with Steve Perryman” soon after Harry was appointed as Spurs’ manager in 2008. Stevie said that Harry was the right appointment at that time, but suggested that he might not be a long term tenant as manager. Stevie (now recovering at home, thank goodness, after his recent collapse and illness) called it right.
Harry has been great for Spurs. He has the best points per game and overall win percentage record for Spurs of any modern day manager, and that includes the legendary Bill Nicholson. Harry can never be regarded though as a Spurs legend. Bill Nicholson and other Spurs managers won trophies. Harry had the opportunity, but failed to win us silverware. He took us to Wembley three times in three full seasons though, and gave us other high days, for which I give him due credit, and for which I shall always be grateful.
Harry’s recent failings for Spurs include weakening the squad in January, and failing to play arguably his best player, Gareth Bale, in his optimum position at crucial times during the run-in. There have been other tactical and strategic mistakes during his tenure. His biggest failings have been that run-in, and perhaps his appointment of agent Paul Stretford.
Will there be a love-in for Harry in future on the scale we see whenever we see Martin Jol? I don’t know. I like Harry. I really do. I just am not surprised about this decision, and urge Spurs fans in the following fashion – “Harry’s gone – get over it!”
The extended period of time off will give Harry a great chance to perfect his gaming skills. RiverBelle casino offeres the next step up from football betting allowing you to place big stakes for instant wins whether its live table games or slots there is something for everyone.
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