Harry Redknapp turned down chance to sign Arsenal legend and took ‘useless’ mate instead
Harry Redknapp is well-known for his ability to identify talent, yet when he first began managing, he overlooked a true gem of a player.Information Guide Nigeria
If Harry likes you, you’ll be following him around to different clubs – think Niko Krancjar.
👉 Relocate to Canada Today!
Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaRedknapp began his managerial career at Bournemouth.
After a career spanning Tottenham, Portsmouth, Southampton, West Ham, and others, he has decided to retire at the age of 76.
Other Top Football News:
- Why does Chelsea’s new kit not have a shirt sponsor?
- Ex-Man United and Everton star admits war means he can’t watch Premier League football and he has to phone son to find scores
- Spain cruised to victory in their Women’s World Cup Fixtures
- Victor Osimhen issues Napoli demand after making Man Utd transfer stance clear
But it all started in 1983, when he took over as manager of Bournemouth and, after three years, he signed a young Carl Richards from Enfield Town.JAMB Result
While Richards toiled at Bournemouth, his friend, Arsenal icon Ian Wright, went on to have a fantastic career.
Redknapp was candid in his book ‘Always Managing’ about the two.
He wrote: “I bought Carl for £10,000, went to pick him up from Enfield and while he went in to say goodbye to his manager, he left me with his mate.
“‘What are you signing him for?’ said this kid. ‘I’m 10 times better than him. I’ve got 26 goals this season, he’s only got 12. I’m different class than him. Why don’t you sign me?’
👉 Relocate to Canada Today!
Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to Canada“I was worried. ‘I can’t buy you, I’m buying him,’ I told Carl’s mate, ‘but I’ll keep an eye out for you, don’t worry.”
“So we took Carl and he was absolutely useless. He could run, but that was about it. We played about six games, couldn’t win one. Carl was terrible.
“After about four games of this, he came to see me. ‘I’ve got a mate,’ he said. ‘He was asking if he could have a trial. He’s a striker, like me.’
“‘And is he as good as you, Carl?’ I asked, suspiciously. ‘No, he’s not as good as me,’ he said, ‘but he’s decent.’
“‘Well, tell him not to f***ing bother then,’ I snapped, and that was the end of it.”
“The following Saturday, we went to play Crystal Palace. ‘My mate, the one who wanted a trial, he’s playing for Palace today,’ said Carl. ‘Oh good,’ I thought. ‘No problem there then.’
“Anyway, three goals later I realised Carl wasn’t much of a scout, either. His mate’s name? Ian Wright, who went on to score 238 league goals.”NYSC Portal
Wright had an incredible career in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Ham.
