'Knocked for six' Redknapp asks for time before thinking about England
Harry Redknapp wants a few days to recover from his court ordeal but said yesterday that he would consider any approach from the English FA to become England manager.
The FA have to tread extremely carefully, not just over Spurs' sensitivities but also because Redknapp is clearly exhausted by the long legal case that ended with his acquittal on Wednesday.
"I need a few days really,'' Redknapp said yesterday, giving the first extended interview since his court acquittal and the resignation of Fabio Capello. "It has knocked me for six. At the moment there has been no approach. But if the opportunity comes, and I get asked, I'll have to consider it."
The FA met at Wembley yesterday to discuss the candidates, with Redknapp the favourite.
With Stuart Pearce appointed caretaker for the friendly against Holland on February 29, the FA are focusing on getting somebody in place for the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
White Hart Lane will envelop Redknapp in an emotional embrace this evening when Spurs entertain Newcastle United.
Although about to be tested by the FA, Redknapp's bond with the club remains strong.
"I'm happy here and enjoy my job,'' said Redknapp, also noting the risk of being placed in the public stocks with England.
"Let's not kid ourselves, (the England job) is aggravation. There have been a lot of great managers since Alf Ramsey, unbelievable managers. When someone like Capello finds it hard going, it has to be hard. Apart from the World Cup, I felt that he is a great manager."
Capello departed partly because of his poor handling of the John Terry controversy.
"I wasn't escaping," Capello told an Italian TV show. "I left because there was a misunderstanding.''
Asked about the FA's stance on Terry and the captaincy, Redknapp replied: "It's a difficult one. You're trying to get me out of the job before I can get in!" (© Daily Telegraph, London)
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- Henry Winter
Irish Independent
