Harry Houdini

[Nadia Sllim]

Well said Patrick Collins.

[david in sweden]

well now 'Arry says" he is committed to QPR." .....when have I heard that phrase before?

 

Doesn't he mean that he should be committed by QPR.......at least as far as I can see their chairman's the one who ought to be " sectioned " for allowing himself to be taken in ...........

[holepuncture]

Well said Patrick Collins.

 

Just listened to Stuart Pearce giving his post match interview after bombing out of the U-21's:

 

I'm not a boom and bust manager

 

Not a bad Houdini tag I thought, he enjoys a nice self facilitated boom in the transfer market followed by the inevitable bust.

[FloridaMarlin]

Redknapp giving it gob on what he thinks of the England set-up.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22884638

 

As usual, WAC.

 

This from a man who has probably done more to block or halt the progress of English players than anybody else by signing foreign players.

 

And how can a manager who played Peter Crouch up front complain about England managers playing hoof-ball?

 

Twunt.

[angelman]

^ I wonder who he thinks could do a better job???

[O_RLY]

Redknapp giving it gob on what he thinks of the England set-up.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22884638

 

As usual, WAC.

 

This from a man who has probably done more to block or halt the progress of English players than anybody else by signing foreign players.

 

And how can a manager who played Peter Crouch up front complain about England managers playing hoof-ball?

 

Twunt.

 

I disagree. The last time we were really going places was under Hoddle and that is probably true, he makes a couple of good points on the England setup although nothing that hasn't already been said before by a million other people.

 

I still don't like him but I do agree with his view on this.

[lifeintheslowlane]

Personally I think Arry is the perfect England manager. Let's face it we've all written off England so it doesn't matter who they appoint. Give him a job where he can't create a financial disaster area and a job where inevitably, (no matter how well it starts) the media end up making a laughing stock of them in BANNER HEADLINES.

 

What a perfect end to a dodgy career.

[Colinjb]

'"The problem is that the England team has no pattern of play. We don't have the kids coached the same way - the right way - from a young age'.

 

A) How would he know given his disregard for youth football?

B) How come so many more technically comfortable English footballers have been produced? People compare to the best Europeans, Brazilians etc., but the only useful comparison is with past English players, and the generations are getting technically better clearly. Plenty of good academies are training kids in the right way and doing great work, including our own. Perhaps highlighting that rather than putting forward to generic doom and gloom line all the time might help?

 

It's easy to criticise something to try and make you look good, his observations have been made elsewhere but this is the first time someone who had been that close to becoming England manager has stated it.

 

Having a set structure from youth level through to the national team has merit, but to really make things work we need to find a way to get rid of the rifts that exist between the football league, the premier league and the FA. Three entities, three agendas and none of the conducive to improving the english talent coming through.... not to mention the individual aims of all league and PL member clubs.

[Colinjb]

All true, but I don't think it matters while you have poor management in the national side. Even if we had great talent everywhere I get the impression we'd ignore it. Even at CM where we're extremely limited we ignored Carrick, a key part of the Man Utd midfield, and played 2 headless chickens in Gerrard and Parker, with another, less talented one in Henderson the only reserve.

 

Likewise, the 2 sub appearances for Liverpool and you're in philosophy needs to end asap.

 

Totally agree.

 

The old boys type organisation at the top of the FA is strangling any hope of progress in the national side. Any organisation's philosophy will be reflective of it's leadership, be it complacent, ambitious.... or in the case of the FA and the National team, self interested and cliquey.

 

My personal instinct would be to abolish the FA as it exists and take the running of the national team into the portfolio of either the Football League or the Premier League. Ensure a direct requirement for improving the national team in line with the running of the domestic leagues.

 

How the leagues and non-league set up would then be administered would be another matter entirely, but in the case of the national team I believe it would make the best sense.

[skintsaint]

Wilshire can be as good as the players you mentioned if he didn't get feckin injured as much as he does.

 

Quality talent.

[JackanorySFC]

I also think picking players from all sides, based purely on merit would get many fans back on board. Most fans in this country don't support the top 6 clubs. That has to be true...right?! There is a lot of apathy towards the national side and I don't think the bias has helped. Or maybe it's just frustration seeing characters like Terry, Cole and others earning insane fortunes in a recession.

 

There's no doubt they're missing a really special creative player though. There good pace, width and players who can dribble. Rooney is a top striker. But there's no Xavi, Iniesta, Mata, Sneijder, Ribery, Ozil sort of player, or Zidane, Ronaldinho, MLT. Yes I include MLT on that list. The likes of Wilshere and Chamberlain are talented and can do a good job, but they're not going to be that extra level required IMO. Cleverley is light years off. So is Lallana, but not as far as Cleverley. But then, I don't think that's so much a training and youth development issue, just the fact that these players are very rare. Which makes it more of a shame England waste them rather than building a team around them when they do come along.

 

Wilshire is the best English player since Gascoigne IMO, huge talent. Only downside (like Gazza) is injuries. Only English midfield/ attacking player that would get near the Spanish or German teams.

[Turkish]

I don't get the clamour to pick the current most in form players. It is actually idiotic. Players form peaks and dips throughout the season, the international standard players that are constantly on top form tend to be the best in the world and worth £50m plus as well as being few and far between. Are people seriously suggesting international teams potentially pick 11 different individuals for every game, depending on who is and isn't in form? I get in form fringe players being given a chance but to say only pick players based on form is stupid.

[Smirking_Saint]

I don't get the clamour to pick the current most in form players. It is actually idiotic. Players form peaks and dips throughout the season, the international standard players that are constantly on top form tend to be the best in the world and worth £50m plus as well as being few and far between. Are people seriously suggesting international teams potentially pick 11 different individuals for every game, depending on who is and isn't in form? I get in form fringe players being given a chance but to say only pick players based on form is stupid.

 

There is no point having this arguement Turks, they have been told before but dont bother to listen. I cant be arsed to go through players playing together, time to coach, systems etc again.

 

Clearly the answer is any Englishman that plays for saints, plus a couple from lower league sides.

 

Fergie and the professionals at Utd etc are wrong, Welbeck and Cleverley arent fit to play for Dagenham etc etc

 

[Crab Lungs]

I hate to admit it but.... old saggy face is right. Besides, he's been saying what I've been saying for ages about patterning play etc.

[Pedro]

Harry talks a great game so why were QPR so ****e.

[ecuk268]

Snip from the Grauniad about Joe Kinnear's appointment at Newcastle.

I wonder who the other manager they're alluding to???

 

"Of course if Joe thought much of what was written about him five years ago was very disappointing, he'd be well advised to avoid the papers in the coming week, when a number of press-box elders who see nothing wrong with constantly brown-nosing one faintly preposterous cockney football dinosaur with a penchant for getting teams relegated sharpen their quills in order to ridicule Newcastle's appointment of another."

[FloridaMarlin]

Snip from the Grauniad about Joe Kinnear's appointment at Newcastle.

I wonder who the other manager they're alluding to???

 

"Of course if Joe thought much of what was written about him five years ago was very disappointing, he'd be well advised to avoid the papers in the coming week, when a number of press-box elders who see nothing wrong with constantly brown-nosing one faintly preposterous cockney football dinosaur with a penchant for getting teams relegated sharpen their quills in order to ridicule Newcastle's appointment of another."

 

That can't be Harry. He's never relegated a team before QPR.

[dronskisaint]

There is no point having this arguement Turks, they have been told before but dont bother to listen. I cant be arsed to go through players playing together, time to coach, systems etc again.

 

Clearly the answer is any Englishman that plays for saints, plus a couple from lower league sides.

 

Fergie and the professionals at Utd etc are wrong, Welbeck and Cleverley arent fit to play for Dagenham etc etc

 

 

 

 

How far up your own orifice do you get before it gets dark?!..................... 'They'.......................... don't listen?

 

Naturally there is an obligation to accept everything that a couple of SADs (sneerers and detractors...I am indebted to Canada Saint for the acronym) say on a forum as if it were any more valid than any other opinion?!

 

For what it's worth I largely agree with a settled squad but there has to be room for a player who is playing at the top of his game for the immediate benefit to the team and for the effect on confidence the inclusion may have in years to come. Most managers are scared to step out of the 'safe' route and who knows how many questions could have been answered by giving the form player a chance?

[Smirking_Saint]

How far up your own orifice do you get before it gets dark?!..................... 'They'.......................... don't listen?

 

Naturally there is an obligation to accept everything that a couple of SADs (sneerers and detractors...I am indebted to Canada Saint for the acronym) say on a forum as if it were any more valid than any other opinion?!

 

For what it's worth I largely agree with a settled squad but there has to be room for a player who is playing at the top of his game for the immediate benefit to the team and for the effect on confidence the inclusion may have in years to come. Most managers are scared to step out of the 'safe' route and who knows how many questions could have been answered by giving the form player a chance?

 

So you comment on how I am up my own arse and then you agree with the comment that I made ?

 

What I am saying BTW isnt rocket science, it isnt exactly opinion either but it is a process that I expect every International manager and their selecting committee makes based roughly on form but also system and getting the players to play together.

 

Of course I would expect one or two players, in form, that shoukd make it in, but not many, and if you do so then IMO you will need to see longevity in an England call up. Cork in this respect would be perfect.

 

The Lambert arguement is nonsensical to me, he had a decent season but certainly wasnt in form at the end of it, is possibly in the getting on a bit category, may not even be first choice for Saints next year and plays in an entirely different way to how Woy would want him to perform.

[dronskisaint]

So you comment on how I am up my own arse and then you agree with the comment that I made ?

 

What I am saying BTW isnt rocket science, it isnt exactly opinion either but it is a process that I expect every International manager and their selecting committee makes based roughly on form but also system and getting the players to play together.

 

Of course I would expect one or two players, in form, that shoukd make it in, but not many, and if you do so then IMO you will need to see longevity in an England call up. Cork in this respect would be perfect.

 

The Lambert arguement is nonsensical to me, he had a decent season but certainly wasnt in form at the end of it, is possibly in the getting on a bit category, may not even be first choice for Saints next year and plays in an entirely different way to how Woy would want him to perform.

 

My 'up your own arse' comment was, I thought obviously, aimed at the arrogance of your assumption that only those of your mindset were worthy of having their opinion listened to. That, again I thought obviously, doesn't mean that I don't agree with some part of it....I see you also agree with my expansion of the theme.

 

There can be very little 'exact science' in player selection - you can, of course, have a player at the top of his game who suits your system, knows the players around him who can have, unaccountably, a crisis of confidence or a below par game for whichever team he turns out for. Brazil last night being a case in point...Oscar was sh*t as was Hulk (by their own high standards)...but their class is apparent. Jo...cr*p over here and in the international wilderness for five years comes on and for the second time in successive matches produces the goods....boosting his confidence, value etc, etc.

 

I didn't actually join the clamour for Ricky's call up last year...love the bloke to bits but his value is within his understanding with Lallana and the players that he has blitzed two divisions with...and his excellent linkage, weight of pass and touch to know where they'll be and vice versa. That wasn't what he was being mooted for an England call up for.

 

In reality I think we agree on the main footballing issues...I just put mine up as an opinion...not the only right way - I have a little more respect than that.

[Batman]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23147086

 

So they have the new manager waiting for Arry to resign then.

 

TBF, while McLaren is a buffoon, he wouldn't moan about the talent in the squad and could do alright.

smart move by McLaren. He knows he probably has a good NPC job when arry walks if if they are not walking the league by xmas

[Suhari]

smart move by McLaren. He knows he probably has a good NPC job when arry walks if if they are not walking the league by xmas

 

Also give 'Arry the opportunity to walk away with his rep intact, and moan to the media about not being allowed to do things his way.

[rooney]

QPR have got more coaches than players now surely?

[OldNick]

Samba sold back??? That deal stinks as well

[Wade Garrett]

McLaren is one of the most over-rated manager's ever. Totally useless. Remember Forest at home, when he gifted us the match by taking off his 2 best players. If QPR have actually recruited him to coach, then it's not a bad move. If he's been brought in to replace Harry, they are mugs. I reckon they are mugs.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Samba sold back??? That deal stinks as well

 

Very odd..... Must of cost em 2m for 10 games?

[CB Fry]

McLaren is one of the most over-rated manager's ever. Totally useless. Remember Forest at home, when he gifted us the match by taking off his 2 best players. If QPR have actually recruited him to coach, then it's not a bad move. If he's been brought in to replace Harry, they are mugs. I reckon they are mugs.

 

Lets see if Poch can emulate what Schteve achieved at Boro before we completely write him off as a manager.

 

If MP's Saints win a trophy, finish seventh and get to the Europa final, it will be spoken of on here as the greatest ever achievement in football.

 

Guarantee no one, certainly not you, would describe that as "useless".

[capitalsaint]

Lets see if Poch can emulate what Schteve achieved at Boro before we completely write him off as a manager.

 

If MP's Saints win a trophy, finish seventh and get to the Europa final, it will be spoken of on here as the greatest ever achievement in football.

 

Guarantee no one, certainly not you, would describe that as "useless".

 

very true, winning the league with twente was a top effort too.

[Colinjb]

very true, winning the league with twente was a top effort too.

 

It seems as though his time in charge of the national team has utterly ruined his reputation in the country. He didn't stand a chance at Forest, the players were never going to respect someone who was constantly being described in joke terms, regardless of what he was trying to do. Our late comeback against them at SMS covered the cracks that day, Forest were excellent.

[capitalsaint]

it's interesting how the public perception of a manager can be so different from the way he interacts with his players. i've just finished craig bellamy's autobiography and, during his final season at newcastle, bobby robson's treatment in the press was actually miles away from the players' attitude towards him. it wouldn't surprise me if mclaren was infinitely more competent than the media portrayal.

[Dark Munster]

Anyway, back on topic. Saggy Chops...what a ****.

[david in sweden]

McLaren is one of the most over-rated manager's ever. Totally useless. Remember Forest at home, when he gifted us the match by taking off his 2 best players.

If QPR have actually recruited him to coach, then it's not a bad move. If he's been brought in to replace Harry, they are mugs. I reckon they are mugs.

 

 

It really surprises me how " 'appy 'arry " has survived so long and still bounces back time after time.

 

He'll take QPR's money for another season and then gracefully bow out depending on whether or not QPR get a quick return to the Prem. NOTE: HR will be 67 next year.

 

If they go up, he'll get his promotion bonus, and if not ...they have MacLaren as a ready-made stooge and replacement - and how he has managed to stay in the game at this level for so long is another surprise.

 

He based his whole reputation on Stewart Downing at 'Boro....and then got the job as no.2 to Ericsson (and insisted on using Downing in an ill-balanced England line-up)

 

I was sorry to see Ericsson go, but even more depressed to see MacLaren replace him. His record was terrible IMO.

 

He'll pull the strings at QPR now, whilst 'arry stands before the TV cameras and babbles on his normal platitudes about lost chances and points thrown away ..yeah, yeah 'arry... we've heard it all before.

 

Meanwhile ..expect to see Downing as a surprise signing at QPR when he plays his time out....... everywhere else in the Prem.

[Window Cleaner]

I see Samba has gone back to Anzi for about a million euros less than QPR paid for him, that has got to involve some dodgy dos somewhere along the line surely.

[Didcot Saint]

Harry's gambling fund has had a boost then.

[Wade Garrett]

Lets see if Poch can emulate what Schteve achieved at Boro before we completely write him off as a manager.

 

If MP's Saints win a trophy, finish seventh and get to the Europa final, it will be spoken of on here as the greatest ever achievement in football.

 

Guarantee no one, certainly not you, would describe that as "useless".

 

I still don't rate him as a manager. He is supposed to be a top class coach though.

[Saint-Armstrong]

Redknapp chasing Carlton Cole and Richard Dunne. Why does this not surprise me?

 

T'riffic lads, both of 'em.

[ottery st mary]

Arry after Hooper as well.

 

AND 15 others as well...Keep the agents and the puppy happy:rolleyes:

[St Jim]

Couldn't see this elsewhere but made me laugh - sour grapes me thinks -

 

Link - Harry Redknapp: FA bosses 'do not have a clue'

[saintmonkey1979]

Maybe sour grapes, but in essence he is right.

[Big Bad Bob]

Maybe sour grapes, but in essence he is right.

 

Can you deny, given the dearth of English talent, that Hodgson is doing a good job?

 

What could Harry (or any manager) do differently?

[Dimond Geezer]

The arrogance of the man is outstanding. He was even tapping up an assistant before he had the job.

[chocco boxo]

See he let some "pot washer" trick him into thinking he was a current Jockey!! Yes Arry you are such a gullible "nice chappy" ...all goes along with I am good old Arry I help anyone ? I don't know what I am doing, people take advantage of me, even Rosie did! **** off you deplorable t*t!

[positivepete]

Maybe sour grapes, but in essence he is right.

 

He is not correct in his assertion that the FA only overlooked him because of the cost of compensation. He has conveniently forgotten that they overlooked him because of the stench surrounding him over the court cases. He also fails to mention that it was certain members of the press that made him a favourite, not all supported him, neither did all fans.

[Greenridge]

It can't have been easy scribing an autobiography with his claim of not being able to read or write.

[Olallana]

He got supportive text messages from players??

 

Didn´t think he knew how that works in a phone since he never sends them himself...

[sotonist]

It can't have been easy scribing an autobiography with his claim of not being able to read or write.

 

he has a ghostwriter

[St Jim]

The arrogance of the man is outstanding. He was even tapping up an assistant before he had the job.

 

And that makes it all the more funny. Imagine his twitch as he picks up The Sun and the headline reads that the FA have appointed Roy.

[Graffito]

The last thing a scandal prone FA needs is a scandal prone football manager.

[Smirking_Saint]

He was the best man for the job at the time, unfortunately he had plenty of crap surrounding him at the time, most of which I have no doubt the man was guilty of.

 

That said I think personally that he would do a better job then Hodgson, and he plays the football I like to see

[Bobbyboy]

I'm sure Brendan Rogers will be so very happy with the revelation that he was tapped up and was happy to accept the position.