Well, who do you believe between the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail about whether Harry Redknapp is the new manager at Newcastle United. When you look more closely at what both papers are reporting, and forget the dramatic headlines, there’s not too much disagreement.
Mike Ashley – seems determined to get Harry Redknapp to Newcastle
Harry Redknapp has immediately insisted that a deal has not been agreed for him to succeed Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, which was reported by the Daily Mail and put out on this site earlier today.
The Portsmouth manager remains the betting favorite to take over the Newcastle hot seat, but Harry says he still has not been approached for the position.
Harry Redknapp said this afternoon:
“To say a deal has already been done is absolute rubbish,” “I couldn’t say anything else because that’s the situation. There has been no approach.”
“Nobody from Newcastle has contacted me and in any case, that wouldn’t be allowed because nobody has contacted Peter Storrie.”
Redknapp has said he is focusing on Portsmouth’s trip to Sunderland in the Premier League tomorrow. and that wages will not be a factor in any decision over his future.
Harry continued:
“Money would not be an issue to me,” “I wouldn’t go anywhere just for the money.”
What Harry says is not too surprising. There may well have been no official approach yet at Portsmouth, that he knows about. But we think one is imminent and will happen today – there’s just too much detail on the deal in the Daily Mail report. And it’s also interesting that Harry has never said he’d turn the Newcastle job down. He needs to see what it is first.
We think the situation is that an approach will come form Newcastle today, and Harry will obviously want to know officially what the offer is. The offer seems to include a massive amount of money, the ability not to move form his Poole, Dorset home, transfer funds of around £25M, and a private jet to allow him to commute to and from the south coast.
If that is really the deal in place as the Mail is reporting, we cannot believe Harry can turn it down. At least the job, if he accepts it, will be very exciting and he will not be bored. Â 😀
Comments welcome.
72 comments so far
carl
Jan 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Comment #1newcastle would of already have approached himsurely? i really hope it isnt this man!
joal
Jan 11, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Comment #2portsmouths home forms pathetic..jose please jose please…………..
James
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Comment #3He is just after a new deal with Portsmouth. Forget the media nonsense being fuelled by Harry’s Agent
ToonKing
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Comment #4let it stay that way too.
Although something needs to happen today, cause otherwise it would seem that our board is a collection of amateurs and they didn’t have anyone lined up….in which case were….well…..fooked.
Hadrian
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Comment #5daily mail again ed, whats the daily star saying aswell ? 😉
you think they all are clued up on this from nufc when they were clueless allerdyce was going .
ObaFan2
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Comment #6He’s been tapped up by MA’s friend…… sleeze is back at nufc? The bookies knew. Dodgy dealings back at SJP.
He’s on bail fgs…….
What has he ever done, poor at West Ham, took Southampton down.
THIS IS NOT RIGHT.
ToonKing
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Comment #7i just heard that ‘Harry left Pompey, is that true or am i halucinating allready ???
obafemimartins
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Comment #8he has a four year deal so why give him a new one. he only gets 1 million a year so money wouldnt be a issue
Edd Case
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Comment #9I keep saying it, and I’ll say it again, Redknapp will not be our next manager, he’s just the media’s current skapegoat.
The fact is, Ashley is an incredibly successfull business man and people like him do not make silly, rash decisions, like sacking Sam and not already having the man they want in place.
Remember, Newcastle United is a business.
Mort and Ashley know what they’re doing and will deliver to us – my bet’s on next Monday, to allow full concentration of the players for the Man Utd game.
Also, think about what Ashleys friends hinted at (that ex-Spurs chappy).
He said, “I’d be very excited if I was a Newcastle fan” and “Mike will deliver to the fans what they want”…
Hae some faith people.
carl
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Comment #10im a little more confident now, but if they named him bedore the game, surely the players would want to impress their new boss who surely will be watching
obafemimartins
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Comment #11that could mean anything. we might be buying berbatov for all we know. the players will know there is a new manager on the way so they will impress anyway. if they dont they should be sold. west ham could be newcastle No 2. all of our rejects
James
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Comment #12It annoys me that alot of people on here on pandering to SkySports. They don’t run Newcastle. They claimed Ashley meet Redknapp this morning in Newcastle. When it was confirmed later that Ashley was in Hong Kong and Harry in Portsmouth – they didn’t bother to say they had just lied to the country again. Sky Sports knows nothing.
Graeme
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Comment #13Sky News at 1300 (UK time) – Harry has met MA. Harry has cancelled his normal Friday press conference. Thats it.
This is all attributed to “Sky Sources” there is no factual basis for any of it.
I for one just hope that MA has higher ambitions for Newcastle United than a highly average manager who has achieved very little in his many years in the game, other than a very healthy bank balance.
What can he bring to the club, that the many available managers in europe, who have all won leagues, cups and competed at the highest levels in Europe for years????? Not a lot I guess.
I honestly dont believe that MA has a new manager lined up, but I must believe that he is talking to a better potential manager than Harry Redknap
nufctj
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Comment #14speculation, thats all any of this is. I am still going to go with the rational notion that Mort and Ashley already have someone lined up. It’s the only thing that makes sense, when considering how BSA was let go and when he was let go. Why on earth would they want to hire someone who is going to jet back and forth? If Redknapp is such a great manager that they would go to that length to bring him to the Toon, then why on earth did the FA pass him up as the England skipper? I’ve got nothing against ‘ol ‘Arry but he cannot be the one. It makes no sense.
Steeley
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Comment #15I’m 99.9% positive that Harry will have been lined up before Sam was sacked, but of course they cant admit to that otherwise it would have been classed as tapping up.
I have a lot to say on the issue, but basically, I was one of the ones to scream for Sam’s sacking. I still support that as the man was taking up into a quagmire. I respect Harry Redknapp a million times more than Sam Allardyce so if he comes in I will be behind him 100% and he will undoubtedly get my backing for time – regardless of results at the start.
All I ask is that he changes out style of play and brings some entertainment back to SJP instead of dour performances.
Redknapp wasnt anywhere near the top of my list, but if it’s him then so be it (and it looks like it is!). I do however think that the financial package they have offered is incredibly (ridiculously?) high….especially for someone who hasnt lit the managerial world alight.
Still, his time may just be around the corner! Welcome to SJP Harry….you’re in for a ride sonny jim, so hold on tight….
George
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Comment #16If Harry Redknapp is appointed as the new manageer for NUFC, it will be a big mistake.
What has Harry achieved. Nothing just like SA and if we get HK it will be a acse of out of the frying pan into the fire.
In every sense you can mirror image SA and HK in their transfer dealings, legal or not legal, tactics, African imports, going back to previous clubs for players, winning nowt. Do we want that again. I hope to god it is just paper talk.
Callum
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Comment #17Why would we sack allardyce to replace him with redknapp? both have just over achieved at small clubs and none have actually won anything and harry doesnt even have experience in europe
goalcentre.com
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Comment #18Too much speculation and uncertainty. How long can you guys stand? 🙂 What Callum said is right… Allardyce and Arry are around the same standards. Why would they employ somebody without looking forward?
StevieA
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Comment #19He lost out on the England job due to a bad story in the press. I recall Harry saying how the police AND media turned up at 2 or 3am in the morning (at the same time!!) and how amazed he was that the press knew about the scandal/arrest. He even went as far as to say someone tipped them off. FA? Media? That pretty much cost Harry the England job, I really believe he would have been England manager if it wasn’t for that. I think he does too.
Portsmouth were flying when talk of Harry for England surfaced. I just hope if we get him the fans give him a chance! I am sure Mike Ashley will.
I would be happy with Harry. He does play attacking, counter attack football, he organizes a defence well and his buys are usually quality too.
You only have to look at how well he has had Sol Campbell and Distin have been playing – both free transfers. Who we could have got too by the way!
Don’t underestimate what he could do with the right setup and backing.
goalcentre.com
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Comment #20Where is Leo? Asleep i guess! 🙂 Or he went to take another dozen cups of coffee? ^^
obafemimartins
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Comment #21he might buy good players but two of them are shit. benjani was only good this season and kanu is like viduka – very lazy. muntari and utaka are very good buys for 6mil. we should of bought them instead of smith and barton.
Gallacher_the_Horse
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Comment #22I think I hear the sound of metal on wood as we seem set to go and scrape that barrel again! After 36 years as a supporter I’ve seen some right choices as manager, but the possibility of Redknapp being appointed beggars belief! Surely the crowd around Mike Ashley hasn’t suggested this, has it? Mourinho via phone from a beach in Portugal would be better than this in my opinion. Edd Case, I hope you’re right and this is a smoke-screen. Ashley and Chris Mort seem pretty good at that sort of thing; a real manager up their collective sleeve will brighten my weekend no end.
StevieA
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Comment #23Benjani shit? Do me a favour Obafemi.
His work rate is amazing, Obafemi could learn something from Benjani. His finishing this season has been superb too now he is full of confidence. He will get back to scoring goals before long too.
He has more goals than Martins doesn’t he?
Newcastlefan
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Comment #24I said my dream would be if Big Sam was to sacked, and the special one was to come. Well Elvis has left the building ! I thought it would not happen because Jose Mourhino would not come. I still think he will not come, but hey skies the limit. On that note I thought Sam should and would stay. Steeley has hit the nail on the button. We have to get the best man in for the job, until Jose is on the plane, Harry is our man.
Neil
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Comment #25Can I ask seriously though how many people (NUFC fans), when they heard of Sam Allardyce leaving, thought we must go and get Harry Redknapp as our manager? I think I can confidently say less than 1% of us NUFC fans. So why would we suddenly get excited by him becoming our new manager. He is simply no better than what we have just got rid of or if he is better it’s certainly marginal. Speaking for myself and possibly a few other fans I think we have to go for only 1 man right now and that man is Mourinho. I know there are various people who will comeback and say he wont join but if he turned us down I would have to accept that however if we simply do not approach him it strikes me as a distinct lack of ambition at our club. Going for ANOTHER manager who has won nothing (Redknapp) is just Allardyce all over again. For the record I am baffled as to why our manger MUST BE BRITISH according to speculation – WHY???
To all the people who aren’t NUFC fans who regard us as demanding and impatient I just don’t see where you can ground this arguement given that we’ve had no domestic trophy for my whole lifetime and the rest so I’d put us up there at the top of the patience league!! If you are saying we are demanding to watch decent football for the money we pay then I would say we are no different to any other fan in this country or anywhere else in the world. Comments welcome on my post to get the general opinion of the fans.
Cheers
Neil
StevieA
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Comment #26Apparently we almost signed Utaka but we didn’t exactly break our backs to sign him like Portsmouth did. I remember Utaka saying that’s one of the reasons he didn’t sign for us.
He would have been a breath of fresh air for us this season.
James
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Comment #27The board kept Sam’s sacking a secret – Sky Sports didn’t see it coming and had no exclusives.
Now they claim to be experts and know everything that has been said in the board room and have read Harry’s contract.
In a perfect world, when Ashley unveils a different manager next week, Sky Sports should officially apologise to Newcastle and the country for lying to back up their own journalists.
Graham
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Comment #28Ive just put 2 bets on our next manager and neither went on Redknapp. I just cannot believe that this will happen…
Edd Case
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Comment #29Neil, Im certianly not excited by the prospect of Harry being appointed as Toon boss.
I want Jose.
Neil
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Comment #30Ok EDD my apologies it just seems there are a lot of postings about Harry Redknapp which came across like propoganda if you like. I am pleased you want Jose just like I do!
carl
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Comment #31the toon would adore jose, ticket sales would be sellout everygame and the whole world of football would pay attention,jose would attract better players and increase shirt sales, it all would make sense to the fans the club and also the business!
geordie down south
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Comment #32thinkk arsene wenger might get the job..
wen ashley took over he said he was freinds with wenger..
and i just read an article wen wenger said newcastle was an exciting job..
doubt this will happen .. but how good would it be if it happened…
Kevin Hann
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Comment #33Ed, you seem to believe that if the papers know that many facts around the deal, it makes it more trustworthy. Well, isn’t that the whole idea of speculation? Why don’t you ask yourself HOW ON EARTH could they know all these details? I believe it was you who said Mike and Mort tend to keep their dealings in private as class businessmen. Then how did all this info get to the press? What the hell is the way for the papers to find out Mike Ashley offered Harry his plane, for Christ’s sake!?!? Is anyone here thinking soberly or you all just read and then start puking how stupid our bosses are?!?!
Greg B
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Comment #34MAGPIES SWOOP FOR STRACHAN!!!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11750_3036599,00.html
Kevin Hann
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Comment #35I want to ask if there are some people from Newcastle here. Could you tell me more about the rumours of Kevin Keegan being spotted in town? Did anyone actually see him or it is one of those anonymous fabricated observers?
carl
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Comment #36no mate thats notts county??????????
Kevin Hann
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Comment #37Greg B that’s old. They swooped for him yesterday.
Hadrian
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Comment #38sky are mugging everyone ,
arry bloody redknapp , never heard of such a total lack of ambition froma billionare in my life . and one who sits with the fans at that ? get a grip! were in this position cos he’s listened , you think he’s going to ignore everyone after that and put harry redknapp in charge?
Graham
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Comment #39Geordie Down South – theres more chance of you becoming manager with me as your assistant!
Greg B
Jan 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Comment #40Just to show how the media (especially Sky Sports) can twist things and manipulate the truth.
Dont believe owt till the club release a statement… I can not believe the best Ashley can do is bring Redknapp in as boss, just dosent make sense.