Harry Redknapp: Once Forgiven, Twice Forgotten...

...Or so the hastily made banner of one young disgruntled fan read at Fratton Park a few cold English autumn evenings ago. They often say that a week is a long time in politics - but it certainly isn't in football - as another whirlwind week in the life of the charismatic but controversial managerial career of Mr Redknapp unfurled. 'Arry has never been the shy retiring type and has arguably never been one to avoid the media spotlight in his now 25 colourful years in professional football management, but even the most cynical of Pompey fans surely cannot have foreseen the abrupt nature of his departure to North London. Ironically, he was honoured the freedom of the city of Portsmouth just days after quitting the Hampshire club, and reportedly received a very mixed reaction from the local population upon receiving this prestigious award. Having achieved the unlikely if not impossible task of guiding the unfashionable premier league club to its first FA cup triumph for nearly 70 years just a few short months ago thanks to Kanu's goal at Wembley, members of the gathering crowd reportedly booed their former hero, with some reportedly shouting "Judas" as he graced the stage.
I personally was disappointed by this reaction, with Redknapp having achieved great things on the south coast by establishing Portsmouth firmly in the premier league and attracting an array of young, exciting and talented players - such as Jermaine Defoe to the club. Harry would probably say he had taken Pompey as far as he could and left them in a much better position than when he joined (and rejoined) as manager. Other would however argue that there is no loyalty in football these days and that Redknapp has simply left for a more wealthy, glamorous club in Spurs. I'll leave you to make up your own mind, but in any case, there is little doubt of the immediate impact Harry has had on the multi-million pound squad assembled at Tottenham, having taken 4 points from his first 2 games in charge - including last nights stunning 4 - 4 derby match with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Only time will tell if his decision is the right one, but if he can turn around Tottenham's awful start to the season he will surely be hailed as a success story once again.

Welcome To Football Banter!

Welcome one and all to my brand new blog: English Football Banter. Over the coming months (and hopefully years) I'll be blogging about all the latest chat, banter, rumours and news from the beautiful game here in England. I'm keen to here the views of football fans of all Englsih clubs whether its one of the English Premiership's so called "big four" or a semi pro level club. I am as you would expect a football nutter and love to share my (often badly formed) views on the odd ball world of football here in the UK. Over the coming months as the blog develops I will massively welcome and look forward in great anticipation to all your comments, football banter and general debate - particularly if your posts are relevant and informed (no spamming please!) Please also keep your comments reasonably friendly - this is not a place for all out war between rival clubs (that means you Liverpool and United lads :-P) and also definitely not the place for sectarianism or racism so please use your intellegence and common sense when posting. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!