Spurs manager first choice for Chelsea job
Despite claiming on Monday that he had heard nothing about Chelsea's apparent interest in hiring him as Carlo Ancelotti's successor, Harry Redknapp has attracted more and more support as the week has gone on and is now the [3.9] favourite to move from north to west London this summer.
The Tottenham boss offered the subtlest of hints that the opportunity of working at Stamford Bridge appealed to him in that interview by refusing to follow several colleagues in criticising the Blues' treatment of the double-winning manager, but there are still several reasons to doubt his chances.
Roman Abramovich has hired five coaches since arriving in the capital in 2003 without once turning his attention to a British tactician and Chelsea as a club have consistently appointed from overseas since Glenn Hoddle left to take charge of the England national team 15 years ago.
Another factor that suggests that Redknapp is worth considering laying at his current price is his lack of silverware, with his only top-level trophy being the FA Cup. Ancelotti by contrast had won two Champions Leagues, Guus Hiddink and Jose Mourinho one and Luiz Felipe Scolari the World Cup.
Despite vowing to focus on his position with Turkey, Hiddink is second in the betting at [4.1] and is followed by his compatriot Marco van Basten at [6.2]. Portuguese treble-winner Andre Villas Boas refuses to go away at [8.2] and remains this writer's pick, while Pep Guardiola makes the top five at [9.8].
Would Abramovich seriously contemplate Redknapp? Share your thoughts below...
Published: 26 May 2011
Aage Johansen (May 26, 2011 10:46 AM) said:
I quite like the idea of Harry in charge at The Bridge! He is English and has an attacking style of football in his mind. But if I could choose, I would have Hiddink in charge, and this is how it will be!
GO CHELS!
davspurs (May 26, 2011 11:03 AM) said:
Its no whether the spoilt Russian would consider Harry its whether Harry could consider working with man who demands Chelsea win everything. Also Harry cant spend Abramovichs money because the new rules will mean he would be in a worse position than he would be at Tottenham who would be a bigger club in every sense. Football is a sport i love but its become a sport damaged by television money corrupt owners promising plenty and delivering nothing in some cases and on the other hand you have country's with ruling family's spending there country's wealth. Harry should stay at a club with good finance's a new stunning training complex and a team evolving into a top side (extract removed).
teryor (May 26, 2011 7:51 PM) said:
....i think who chelsea need right now is Rikjaard. Yep...and chelsea should forget the thougt that they have a long time to dwel on this coach hiring thing, bcos the eventual coach will need time to make changes to the current squad if need be.
Tony (May 26, 2011 8:17 PM) said:
The market for these bets is so small that two or three £200 bets can install a favourite. My guess is that a handful of Gooners or Chelski supporters have seen this as an opportunity to unsettle Spurs - and its working because Talksport have had two rubbish programes on this in the last couple of days.They even suggested that Harry would then take Bale and Modric with him. Clearly Talksport have forgotten the clause inserted in the settlement when Arnesen left Spurs- namely they could not approach any Spurs player for two years. But it doesnt stop the appalling Adrian Durham spouting his usual bilge!
Da Silva Ibrahim (May 26, 2011 9:02 PM) said:
I think Mr.Harry is the right option if we did not get Mr.Hiddik Because his ability and Techniques are very good since his era at Portsmouth and have even prove he is good at White heart Lane, we can do better if he get a big spending club like Chelsea. The worst mistake will be Van Busten or Pillegrini because sometimes coach name or fame is counting in football.
Betfair Football (May 27, 2011 8:04 AM) said:
Thanks for the comments.
Tony, I can confirm that close to £45,000 has been matched on Harry Redknapp, rather than the odd hundred that you suspected. However like you, we still don't expect Redknapp to be chosen.
jude okeke (May 27, 2011 8:21 AM) said:
harry is not better than the previous coaches that managed chelsea before. The probrem is not from coaches but from management who should allow the coaches to do work becos they are not magicians
Garry (May 27, 2011 8:39 AM) said:
While we are on the subject of Chelsea, I cannot for the life of me understand how a team that behaves like they do, can finish top of a Fair play league. What is fair about celebrating a goal which most of the Chelsea players knew had not crossed the line. Sporting teams give a goal back when an injustice is done. Secondly, it made me cringe to see at least 4 Chelsea players charge towards the referee against Everton in case he had not decided to send the Everton player off. And this was in a meaningless end of season game. Good luck Harry but we all know that you would no consider a motley crew like Chelsea.
Charles (May 27, 2011 9:25 AM) said:
If Harry gets the job, Chelsea will finish outside top two. He's just not top drawer, with due respect.
I think Chelsea have a transition season ahead, nothing great!!
Reuben (May 27, 2011 6:48 PM) said:
Harry is good but is think chelsea should go for Gus Hidink