McLeish advocates health checks

17 November 2011 10:46

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has stressed the need for managers to undergo regular health checks after Harry Redknapp's recent heart procedure.

McLeish will take his Villa side to Tottenham on Monday with Spurs boss Redknapp still unsure when he will be able to return to the dug-out.

The Scot knows how easy it is for managers to ignore their own well-being but has made the effort in the last few years to monitor his condition, saying: "It is very important to get regular updates on your health and the League Managers' Association provide that service."

He added: "I've done it for the past few years. Something that managers tend to ignore is their physical well-being.

"A lot of them work 24-7 and don't get enough chance to even exercise and things like that.

"I use the gym occasionally but not enough. I'd love to be in there more but time runs away."

McLeish has been in contact with Redknapp and is optimistic he will make a full recovery.

He said: "I texted Harry last week and he said he was fine.

"It was a shock at the time but the specialists nowadays are fantastic in that kind of field and there's no reason why Harry can't go on for another 100 years.

"There are rumours that he will be back on Monday and I hope he is."

Source: PA