With West Ham United facing a mid-season crisis under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the search for a savior will inevitably lead to the return of some familiar faces.
But one legend has effectively turned himself down from returning to the London Stadium in the most ‘Harry-esque’ way possible.
Harry Redknapp, now 78, was recently cornered by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin at Newbury Racecourse.
With the Hammers currently languishing in the relegation zone and a showdown with Brighton looming, fans are nostalgic for the days when Redknapp led the club to their highest ever fifth-place finish.
But while he still has plenty of love for his boyhood club, his priorities have moved from the technical area to the parade ring.
Manager Harry Redknapp says he will take West Ham job
Asked if he would take up an offer from West Ham, Redknapp was enthusiastic.
He jokingly replied (from the Mirror): “I don’t mind taking the job, but Saturdays are difficult for me. I like going to the races, so it won’t be possible.”
The former Hammers manager explained that he is now fully focused on his second passion.
Football is still in his blood, but the stress of the Premier League dugout is a world away from the tranquil (and sometimes nerve-wracking) life of a racehorse owner.
For Redknapp, Saturday afternoon horse racing is more appealing than the high-stakes battle for three points.
Harry Redknapp’s incredible directorial career
Redknapp has enjoyed a brilliant managerial career. Redknapp, who has managed more than 1,400 games, is part of an elite group of managers who have won the FA Cup (with Portsmouth in 2008) and led teams to the Champions League.
His seven-year reign at West Ham remains iconic, largely due to his success in integrating academy graduates such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.
The Hammers’ board will make a decision on the out-of-form Nuno Espirito Santo after the game against Brighton.
However, Redknapp’s comments suggest he will be watching from the grandstand rather than the touchline.
