One of the country's most well recognised football managers, Harry Redknapp was born in 1947 in Poplar, London. He displayed a talent for the game from an early age and was spotted by a Tottenham Hotspur scout when he was just eleven years of age. He went on to play for their youth team. In 1962 he moved to West Ham where he played alongside Bobby Moore.


Playing Career

Harry broke into the West Ham first team in the 1965/66 season. In fact he made his debut in a match against Sunderland on 23rd August 1965. Harry remained at West Ham until 1972 when he moved to Bournemouth. He spent four seasons with the south coast side, but moved to fourth division side Brentford in 1976. However, his stay at Brentford was only brief. In the same year he moved to American side the Seattle Sounders as a player coach.

Managing / Coaching Career

Harry began his coaching career with the American side Seattle Sounders. Between the years of 1976 and 1979 he fulfilled the role of player-assistant manager. He helped the side secure second position in the Pacific Conference, Western Division in his first season. After moving back to the UK, Harry had a spell assisting his former team mate Bobby Moore at Oxford City.

Harry's first major role, as a coach, was at Bournemouth; a side that he had previously played for. At the start of the 1982/83 season he became assistant manager to David Webb and in late 1983 he was appointed manager. Bournemouth went on to win the Third Division title in 1987.

In 1994 Harry became the manager of West Ham United, another of his former clubs. He introduced a number of young players such as Joe Cole and Frank Lampard as well as establishing the club in the Premier League.

In 2001 Harry became Director of Football at Portsmouth. In 2002 he replaced the manager Graham Rix; he managed the club to the Division One title and their subsequent promotion to the Premier League. He stayed with the club until 2004 when he resigned.

Shortly after his departure from Porstmouth, he became manager of Southampton. This did not go down particularly well with the Portsmouth fans as the clubs are local rivals! Harry returned to Portsmouth the following year. He has also managed Tottenham Hotspur and is currently the manager of Queens Park Rangers.

Harry's family have a strong tradition of involvement in the game. His son Jamie played for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton. As mentioned previously his nephew is the well known footballer Frank Lampard.

Harry is now popular on the after dinner speaking circuit.

To book Harry Redknapp call AJ Promotions on 01704 834493 or 07799720483.