Harry Redknapp Leaves Tottenham

In the early hours of the morning of 14th June, 2012, Tottenham Hotspur made this official announcement on the departure of Harry Redknapp:

The Club can today announce that Harry Redknapp will be leaving his post as manager.

Chairman Daniel Levy commented, "This is not a decision the Board and I have taken lightly. Harry arrived at the Club at a time when his experience and approach was exactly what was needed. This decision in no way detracts from the excellent work Harry has done during his time with the Club and I should like to thank him for his achievements and contribution. Harry will always be welcome at the Lane."

Harry said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements. I have had a fantastic four years with the Club, at times the football has been breathtaking. I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there."
 
After weeks of speculation and two days of intense rumours, the decision has been taken and Harry Redknapp has left his position as manager of Spurs after three and a half years.

Harry Redknapp was a surprise appointment in October, 2008 when Juande Ramos' team was entrenched at the foot of the Premier League table with 'two points from eight games.'  Within hours of his appointment Redknapp oversaw Tottenham's first League win of the season as they defeated Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane, although Clive Allen was in charge, and then took Spurs to the Emirates for his first game.  Spurs gained a point in a thrilling 4 - 4 draw, coming back to score twice in added time.  His next match was at home to undefeated League leaders Liverpool, and again two late goals saw Tottenham record a 2 - 1 success.

By the end of the season Spurs had climbed the table to eighth and had a Carling Cup Final appearance on their record, losing on penalties to Manchester United. 


The following season Spurs had the perfect start, winning their first four matches.  They stayed in and around the top four throughout the campaign and were assured of Champions League qualification when defeating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the penultimate match of the season.  They also reached the FA Cup semi-final but lost out to relegated Portsmouth at Wembley.


Season 2010 - 11 was memorable for the Champions League campaign which saw Spurs reach the quarter finals with some exhilarating football, including a memorable evening at White Hart Lane when Spurs totally outplayed, the European Champions, Inter Milan, as Gareth Bale confirmed his place on the world stage in a famous victory.  Spurs finished fifth but missed out on Champions League qualification after a poor run from February to May.

Last season was one of great highs but which ultimately ended in disappointment.  Spurs recovered from a poor start to record an undefeated run of eleven matches from September to December and were in a position to challenge for the title in mid-January, three points behind Manchester City.  Harry Redknapp overcame heart surgery and was cleared of tax evasion in court and became the media's favourite for the England manager's position following the departure of Fabio Capello in mid-February. 


It was at this point that Spurs went on an unexplainable run of disappointing results which saw them lose a ten point lead on their rivals for third place in the Premier League.  They did progress to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Chelsea but lost heavily after Chelsea were awarded a second goal which hadn't crossed the line.  Following the Football Association's delayed announcement that Roy Hodgson wa sth enew England manager,  Spurs made a mini-recovery to finish fourth but as a result of Chelsea's Champions league triumph the club missed out on next season's competition and were relegated to the Europa League.


With the club looking to move forward with the development of a new stadium, missing out on the Champions League, even in such unfortunate circumstances, was a massive blow to their financial position and the retention and recruitment of players became more difficult.  


Rumours had been circulating that indicated that everything was not well at White Hart Lane and over the past two days it came to a head as Redknapp strongly denied suggestions on Twitter that he had resigned but then within twenty four hours his meeting with Chairman, Daniel Levy, ended with the club's announcement on his departure.


Harry Redknapp has brought good times to White Hart Lane during his three and a half years - something that many younger supporters have never experienced.  There have been many exciting performances which will live long in the memory of supporters but his time at Tottenham has come to a sudden and dramatic end with the slump coinciding with all the hype surrounding the England's manager's position taking its toll.


Now that the decision has been made, the difficult part remains - to find a successor who can improve on Redknapp's record and make the club a fixture in the Champions League year after year while contending for trophies - no easy task.


Thanks Harry - it was good while it lasted and sad that it ended so soon after Spurs were being considered as title challengers for the first time in decades.