Redknapp named manager of the year

(GSM) – Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been named the English Premier League manager of the season. Redknapp won the award in the light of his side’s break into the top-four, a fact which will secure the club Champions League qualification for the first time.

“I’m delighted to receive the award but it’s a team effort with Kevin (Bond), Joe (Jordan), Clive (Allen), Tony (Parks), Tim (Sherwood), Les (Ferdinand) and all the coaching and fitness staff,” he told the club’s website.

“Really, I’m just part of the team.

“It’s all down to the players and what they’ve achieved. It’s down to them really and a real honour to receive it.”

Redknapp took over from Juande Ramos as Spurs boss in October 2008 after awful run of form saw the team pick only two points from the opening eight matches and drop to the bottom of the table.

This year, Tottenham secured a spot in the Champions League next season, finishing ahead of mega rich Manchester City and big-four club Liverpool.

The 63-year-old was granted the accolade which was voted by the Barclays awards panel.

Redknapp has now become the second manager to win the award without having won the league since the new formation of the Premier League was adopted.

George Burley was the first manager to win the award without having won the league after the Scot guided Ipswich to fifth place in 2000/01.