'Arry: An Autobiography - Softcover

Redknapp, Harry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0002188732 ISBN 13: 9780002188739

Publisher: Willow, 1999

Synopsis

The hugely entertaining autobiography of one of the most popular and highly respected managers in the English Football League.

Mention West Ham United FC and the name Harry Redknapp immediately springs to mind. The Hammers’ boss is an institution in the game; his experience of English football in the Nineties from the perspective of one club is unsurpassed.

His was a controversial appointment, as he took over as manager at West Ham in 1994 to succeed former favourite Billy Bonds. But Redknapp broke the mould: he was one of the first Premiership managers to recruit heavily from abroad, and he gives a refreshing insight into how such players as Raducioiu, Dani, Boogers and other foreign buys adjusted – or in many cases, failed – to adapt to the frenetic pace and unique culture of English football.

More recently he has proved a shrewd investor in British talent. The likes of Trevor Sinclair, Neil Ruddock and Ian Wright have ensured that the Hammers have been a force to be reckoned with throughout this season’s Premiership campaign.

Away from football, Redknapp recalls his narrow escape from a near-fatal car accident in 1990 and the unique relationship with son Jamie, a quality player for Liverpool and England who is now married to pop star Louise.

In an extra chapter to the original hardback edition, Harry comments on the Hammers’ performance during the 1998–99 season, and reveals the truth behind the many colourful and often controversial incidents that have beset the East End club in recent months.

About this title

Review:

With West Ham comfortably settled in the top half of the Premiership at the time of writing, their manager's story provides an enjoyable illustration of the game since the 60s. Harry Redknapp's tale never wanders too far from the subject of the game itself, but manages to keep a down-to-earth flavour, as one might expect from a man born and bred in East London.

At West Ham during the 60s, Redknapp played with some of the era's most illustrious stars, including the late, incomparable Bobby Moore. But the game has moved on and Redknapp's career unfolds against this background. Son Jamie, one of today's millionaire players, with a pop-star wife to match, brings a useful counterpoint to father Harry's earlier experiences. Redknapp senior puts it all into perspective, relating the tale of his near-fatal motor accident sustained in Italy following the 1990 World Cup. His co-passenger, a close friend, lost his life. Harry, however, lived to tell his tale and one should be grateful for that. Stories of managerial life with Bournemouth and West Ham are told with candour and no little self-justification on issues surrounded by controversy at the time.

Redknapp admits to mistakes, such as bringing the "foreign legion" to Upton Park in 1996 but explains the motivation behind them. Sharp observations on many of his contemporaries are mixed with humorous anecdotes and the now almost obligatory references to drinking and gambling in football. Not everything moved on during Redknapp's time in football after all. --TrevorCrowe

Review:

'(Redknapp) does not so much wear his heart on his sleeve but thrust it pulsing into the reader's face' The Independent 'Essential reading' Total Sport

About this edition

• Publisher: Willow
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0002188732
• ISBN 13: 9780002188739
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 274