Reason behind shock exit revealed…
Harry Redknapp stunned the Premier League by resigning from his role as manager of Queens Park Rangers, and the 67-year-old has since revealed why the decision was made.
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In an exclusive with the Mail Online, Redknapp revealed that he had to make the tough decision to end his time with QPR after accepting that he was in no fit state to lead the team in their battle against relegation.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss has been told that he needs both a left knee and right knee replacement – and is unable to walk even 100 yards – which prompted Redknapp to call chairman Tony Fernandes in the early hours of this morning to deliver the news.
“I was awake all night, thinking about it,” Redknapp told Mail journalist Martin Samuel.
“I’m struggling so badly now. I can’t walk, I can barely stand and watch. I’m in pain all the time. I’ve been putting it off, and putting it off, but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job.
“…It must have been 5.30am. I just told him he needed someone who could properly coach and manage the team in the next ten weeks. It’s such an important time. They need someone who can give it everything.”
The 67-year-old’s resignation the morning after the January transfer window slammed shut prompted speculation that the cause could be frustration at the Hoops’ lack of activity this month, and Fernandes’ tweet that he would not be getting his cheque book out for any new signings.
However, the former West Ham United manager insists that this isn’t the case – rather he needs to make his health a priority, and felt the inability to physically commit to the R’s could damage their survival hopes.
“I was totally honest with Tony. I told him he needed someone who could commit to every aspect of the job in the next ten weeks, and that’s not me,” Redknapp added.