Why Harry Redknapp should think twice about accepting England's poisoned chalice

By Steve Stammers

Published 11:07 15/02/12

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Harry Redknapp spent the early part of this week in Dubai on a much-needed break after the traumas, turmoil and ultimate triumph of the last seven days.

Within hours, he was cleared of tax evasion charges and then became the hot favourite to become the new England manager after Fabio Capello quit over the FA decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy of the national team.

And by Saturday night, the symmetry was complete when his Tottenham team thrashed Newcastle 5-0 with an stunning display of attacking football. The clamour for Redknapp to become the new man in charge of England only intensified.

But it is to be hoped that Redknapp will have used the last three days to mull over what will be the most momentous decision of his managerial career.

Over the last three years, Redknapp has blossomed at Tottenham. He turned them from relegation fodder into genuine title contenders. Champions League material.

His sides have produced some of the most exciting football they have seen at The Lane for years - and the fans let him now exactly what they think before, during and after the victory over Newcastle.

He is loved and he is wanted. Of course he is also wanted by England and many may see that as the ultimate accolade for a manager. Yet...

Recall Tottenham's first two matches of the season: a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United followed by a 5-1 home defeat by Manchester City. And not once was Redknapp's position at Tottenham under threat.

You earn that kind of tolerance when you have achieved what he has achieved over the last three seasons. And that patience has been rewarded with Tottenham's surge up the table to pose a genuine threat to both City and United.

There will be no such flexibility should Redknapp take the England job. The first two matches of any meaning are against France and Sweden in the Euro finals. Can you imagine the headlines and the comeback if England lose both matches 1-0 - never mind 3-0 and 5-1. And it could all be down to a poor refereeing decision or- ask Frank Lampard of Chelsea - a linesman who can't see the ball a yard over the line.

But hard luck stories do not count where the England manager is concerned. Graham Taylor will verify that after his experiences in Rotterdam back in 1993. The only thing that matters is the result. A flukey, boring 1-0 win is acceptable. Forget style.

So now comes Redknapp's big decision. Three years of hard work producing a team with panache that provides vibrant attacking football could go down the Swanee on the back of three bad decisions from officials in the Ukraine.

Turnip has been used and so has Wally with the Brolly, but there will be a headline waiting for Redknapp, you can be sure of that.

At Tottenham he has been give time. With England that luxury does not exist. Good luck to Harry when he comes to making up his mind.

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