Harry Redknapp quits as QPR boss

Harry Redknapp has quit as QPR boss, citing knee problems as the reason

Harry Redknapp has resigned from his position as QPR boss, with Head of Football Operations Les Ferdinand and academy boss Chris Ramsey being placed in temporary charge of the club while a successor is found.

Reason

There had been speculation that Redknapp had stepped down from his position due to the lack of transfer deadline day activity at Loftus Road, but the veteran boss has now cited knee problems as the reason for his decision.

He told Sky Sports News: “I have had a problem with my knee and it has been getting worse,”

“My right knee, I had an operation a year or so ago, and I was on crutches at the training ground for about 10 weeks.

“It has gradually deteriorated again, my right knee, and my left knee has gone exactly the same, so I definitely need one knee replacement and maybe two.

“I just could not get out on to the pitch and do what I wanted to do. I love getting out coaching but now I can’t wait for training to finish because I’m struggling. Last weekend I went to watch the grandkids play football and, after 10 minutes, I have had to go and sit in the car. It is no fun and I need to get it sorted out”

Active

Redknapp is famous for his wheeler dealing and is usually very active on transfer deadline day attempting to bring players in. However, this transfer deadline day the Hoops were relatively quiet, as deals for West Ham winger Matt Jarvis and Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor both broke down.

The lack of additions to his squad must have been frustrating for Redknapp and everybody connected with the club and that was cited as one of the reasons he quit, prior to talking about his knee.

I suggest this may have also played a part in his decision to leave his position as Rangers, boss even if Redknapp does not want to admit it.

Struggle

QPR have struggled this season in the Premier League after gaining promotion through the Championship play-offs last season. The Hoops are currently 19^th in the top-flight table and have lost every away game this season.

It has been a real struggle for the Hoops, who spent relatively heavily last summer and brought in what looked like some decent players, yet have still been unable to escape the relegation battle.

In truth, Rangers also struggled to win games last time they were in the top-flight under Redknapp and were only promoted via the play-offs last season with a last-gasp Bobby Zamora goal.

Veteran

Redknapp is in the veteran stage of his career and at 67-years old people are asking if the veteran will ever been seen in a Premier League dugout again. It’s not impossible that Redknapp will retire, but I think that’s unlikely.

Redknapp has been criticised by some Hoops fans for the team’s terrible away record and their current position in the table. However, Redknapp is a football man and will no doubt be keen to prove his critics wrong.

Success

Criticism of Redknapp recent record in the top-flight is justified, as his team have struggled in the Premier League and deserve to be where they are in the table.

However, he has showed at times in the past that he is good manager, even if he is not a great coach. He helped Portsmouth to promotion to the Premier League and FA Cup, while at West Ham he guided the club to their best ever Premier League finish of fifth.

At Spurs, he transformed the team from one that was struggling in the top-flight, to a team that finished in the top four and secured Champions League football.

He is a character and if he does retire the game will be quieter without him, especially on deadline day when he will not be available to do his obligatory interview through his car window.

Replacement

The search for Redknapp’s replacement is unlikely to take too long though with the Hoops in a perilous position in the Premier League.

The current favourite for the job is former-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood at odds of 1/ 4, while caretaker boss Les Ferdinand is odds of 11/2 and academy boss Chris Ramsey is odds of 25/1.

The likes of Glenn Hoddle and Mark Warburton have also been mentioned in connection with the job, but Sherwood currently looks like the most likely successor to Redknapp.

Right Decision

Whatever the reasons behind Harry Redknapp’s decision to leave his position as QPR boss, it seems the right decision. The Hoops are struggling in the Premier League this season and need fresh impetus. Maybe a new boss will give the club that fresh impetus to survive the drop this season.

Has Harry Redknapp made the right decision to quit as QPR boss?