Harry Redknapp has distanced himself from rumours linking him with a return to management with relegation-threatened Newcastle United.
Redknapp has been out of work since resigning as QPR manager in February of this year, and reports over the weekend suggested that the vastly experienced 68-year-old could fill the breach if beleaguered Magpies’ head coach Steve McClaren is given his marching orders.
McClaren has won just two Premier League games since being appointed as Newcastle chief in June, and the 53-year-old’s disastrous start to life on Tyneside has left the Toon Army doubting his long-term future at the club.
However, Redknapp, who worked with McClaren at QPR, has dismissed speculation that he has been contacted about replacing the former Boro manager at St James’ Park.
Speaking from his official Twitter account, Redknapp said:
Not heard anything about Newcastle, they’ve got a great manager in Steve. I’ve worked with him, he’s excellent. I’m sure he’ll get it right. — @Redknapp
After recent results have raised widespread question marks over McClaren’s managerial credentials, the under-fire United boss will be delighted to see a renowned figure such as Redknapp publicly backing his capabilities.
Unfortunately for McClaren, the shell-shocked Magpies have a series of extremely tricky fixtures on the horizon – starting with Jurgen Klopp’s revitalised Liverpool on Sunday.
Unless results and performances take an unexpected upturn over the coming weeks, speculation linking out-of-work manager’s with the Newcastle hot seat is only going to intensify.
