Should Tottenham Bring Back Harry Redknapp as Manager?

Former Spurs boss' name floated as potential replacement for under-fire Thomas Frank

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:20am

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A fractured, geometric painting in muted earth tones, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the complex dynamics of a soccer match or competition, conceptually illustrating the divisive debate around Tottenham Hotspur's managerial situation.A fragmented, cubist interpretation of the high-stakes managerial decision facing Tottenham Hotspur as they weigh the nostalgic appeal of a former fan favorite against the risks of a comeback.Today in Birmingham

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a managerial crisis, with current boss Thomas Frank under increasing pressure after a string of poor results. In a surprising turn of events, the name of former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has been floated as a potential replacement, with some pundits arguing that the 78-year-old could be the nostalgic hero the club needs. However, others are more cautious about the idea of bringing back a manager who has been out of the game for over eight years.

Why it matters

Tottenham's current struggles have left the club in a precarious position, sitting 14th in the Premier League and facing the prospect of missing out on European competition next season. The potential return of Harry Redknapp, who led the club to their first-ever Champions League qualification during his tenure from 2008 to 2012, has sparked a divisive debate among fans and pundits about whether the veteran manager could be the right man to turn the team's fortunes around.

The details

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara has publicly backed the idea of bringing Redknapp back, even suggesting an interim role where the 78-year-old would oversee the team while relying on backroom staff for day-to-day coaching. O'Hara believes Redknapp's man-management style could be the antidote to Spurs' current woes, arguing that the former manager would 'get his arm around the players, give them confidence, and tell them to go out and express themselves.' However, fellow pundit Jason Cundy, a former Spurs defender, was more cautious, acknowledging that while Redknapp 'could do a lot worse than Harry,' the fact that his name is being considered is 'worrying.'

  • Redknapp last managed a club in 2017 with Birmingham City.
  • Tottenham are currently 14th in the Premier League table, eight points off the top four and perilously close to the relegation zone.
  • Spurs' next match is a Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Wednesday.

The players

Harry Redknapp

A former English football manager who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur from 2008 to 2012, leading the club to their first-ever Champions League qualification.

Thomas Frank

The current manager of Tottenham Hotspur, whose position is under increasing pressure after a string of poor results.

Jamie O'Hara

A former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and current co-host of The Weekend Sports Bar on talkSPORT, who has publicly backed the idea of bringing Harry Redknapp back as Spurs manager.

Jason Cundy

A former Tottenham Hotspur defender and current co-host of The Weekend Sports Bar on talkSPORT, who has expressed caution about the idea of bringing Harry Redknapp back as Spurs manager.

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What they’re saying

“I'd rather Harry Redknapp than Ange Postecoglou. Harry's been away from the game, but he still breathes football. He's got that connection to the club, that love, and the fans adored him.”

— Jamie O'Hara, Co-host of The Weekend Sports Bar on talkSPORT

“You could do a lot worse than Harry, but the fact that we're even having this conversation is worrying. It's genuinely real.”

— Jason Cundy, Former Tottenham Hotspur defender

What’s next

Tottenham's next match is a crucial Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Wednesday, which could further impact the future of manager Thomas Frank.

The takeaway

The potential return of Harry Redknapp as Tottenham Hotspur manager has sparked a divisive debate among fans and pundits, with some arguing that the veteran manager's man-management style could be the solution to the club's current woes, while others remain cautious about the risks of bringing back a manager who has been out of the game for over eight years. Regardless of the outcome, Tottenham's immediate future hangs in the balance as they face a crucial Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.