Search Icon

Henry Winter: Tottenham can turn to Chris Hughton if England appoint Harry Redknapp

When a lack of communication and esprit de corps in the England camp under Fabio Capello finally extinguishes any hopes of Euro 2012, the Football Association may well turn to Harry Redknapp.

Chris hughton should replace Harry Redknapp if England come calling
Wise choice: Chris Hughton's reputation is on the rise after leading Newcastle United to promotion and then stabilising them in the Premier League Credit: Photo: ACTION IMAGES

After Capello, England will want a motivator such as Redknapp, his credentials enhanced by involvement in the Champions League.

Spurs’ unfortunate loss would be England’s gain but there’s an obvious replacement, a familiar face at the Lane.

One of their old lilywhite idols, a committed full-back who won two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup during 13 years playing for Spurs, is now looking increasingly at home in management. Chris Hughton has set Newcastle United up well tactically and mentally, producing good, hungry attacking football.

Hughton may not be deemed high profile enough yet for Spurs but by 2012, why not? Hughton loves Spurs and coached there for 14 years, including a six-game spell as caretaker in 1998.

After working for the soulless, penny-pinching regime of Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, Hughton certainly deserves more caring employers.

Leeds United's devoted fans deserve reward

There is one reason why Manchester United supporters still sing about Leeds United. Make that 6,200 reasons.

That remarkable figure was the number of fans Leeds took to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, swelling the crowd to 28,184 and giving Coventry City their largest Championship gate at their new home and their biggest league attendance for two decades (since Highfield Road turned all-seat).

Simon Grayson’s team emerged to a whole end chanting, “We are champions, champions of Europe’’. Deluded, perhaps, but hopelessly devoted. Such loyalty will be rewarded one day.