One of the funniest characters in football is manager Harry Redknapp as his stories are legendary and always make me chuckle. I have heard half a dozen of them so far and I plan on getting one of his books which covers his topsy turvy managerial career.
The one thing I do enjoy about sport is reading and hearing about the stories of the different characters. They are amusing and socking all at the same time and certain individuals used to attract them. Harry Redknapp was an old school type manager who had stints at 7 different clubs. He was smart in what players he bought in the transfer windows with often getting players no one else wanted, but somehow got the best out of them.
The one story I heard recently and enjoyed so I thought it was worth sharing as these are classics. I have shared the one previously about the player stuck at the airport who didn't want to move and had to be persuaded to travel. This one is slightly different as it involved a player Paul Merson who was not wanted by Aston Villa and they needed to off load him.
Paul Merson at his prime when he played for Arsenal was a great player, but he also had a drinking and gambling problem. Those involved in football knew this so when Harry Redknapp was offered Merson he had no hesitation in saying yes. His team at the time Portsmouth were that bad and having Merson around would add some extra class.
Harry was so desperate for him he accepted a once a week training and to not have to drive daily to the ground like all the other players had to. Merson ended up captaining the side and hey went on an incredible league run which they went on to win.
During the season they had a 2 week gap because they had been knocked out of the FA Cup and Merson came to Harry asking for 10 days leave. He had told him he needed to go to the addiction clinic for his gambling and drink problems and that 10 days would be good for him. Obviously Harry was not going to say no as Merson was a key player.
During the 10 day break Harry received a phone call from a friend who lived in Barbados wo said that he had spent some time with one of Harry's players namely Paul Merson. Harry inquired if his friend was ok as Merson was in the addiction clinic and he said no he was on the beach in Barbados.
Harry being Harry was not upset that Merson had lied as long as he had a good break and came back refreshed and continued scoring goals helping his team win matches. Harry knew without Merson they were a terrible team and had no chance of success so he never fined him or punished him as why would he.
I think it is these types of stories that make sport so great as without these individual characters the sport would then to be a little boring. The funny part is Harry has hundreds of stories about various players during his career mainly down to the fact he was at clubs with little or no budget. The result was he had to buy players or should I say gamble on individuals that no one else wanted.