“I’m really surprised that no one’s gave him a go.”
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has backed one of Ireland’s most legendary players to replace Stephen Kenny as the national team manager.
Redknapp has managed at the top level of football for almost three decades, including successful stints at West Ham, Portsmouth and Southampton, but is probably best remembered for his time with Spurs.
The Englishman guided them to their first top four finish in years, beating Man City bak in 2010 to secure their place in the Champion’s League, and take the club to the next level.
During his time at the London club, he managed Robbie Keane, Ireland’s all-time top goalscorer, and the two had brilliant success together, and great working relationship.
Now retired from management himself, Redknapp says that he would love to see his former player get the opportunity with the national team.
“Who’s going to get that job? It’s difficult, isn’t it,” Redknapp, who managed Keane at Spurs, told 2FM’s Game On.
“You know who I’d like to see back in? You know who deserves better than what he’s got in football since he finished playing? Robbie Keane.
“He’s got great knowledge of the game, he’s got a great personality. He’s a great guy, everybody loves him. He was a fantastic footballer. Worked his socks off every game, gave everything.”
“I think he should be managing somewhere at a good level. I really do,” he continued.
“His knowledge of the game, his work rate, his enthusiasm is fantastic. I’m really surprised that no one’s gave Robbie a go.”
Keane is currently manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, and was assistant manager at Leeds under Sam Allardyce, so the former goal-getter has gathered some valuable experience in management.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said in December that the association aims to have a successor to Stephen Kenny in place by February
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Related links:
- Eamon Dunphy’s reaction to Stephen Kenny’s departure has surprised everyone
- FAI confirm that they will not renew Stephen Kenny’s contract
- Mary Lou McDonald slams Robbie Keane for Israeli club job
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