He Was Ashley's First Choice

26 November 2012 11:15
Harry Redknapp was Mike Ashley's first choice as Toon boss - he even offered him the job - but Redknapp said at the time he didn't trust Ashley.

Redknapp's words at the time: "There's something seriously wrong at that club. It's a massive club, but I won't go there because there are problems behind the scenes."

The situation has changed - Harry "The Bung" is no longer the hot property he once was - and he has taken over at relegation-threatened QPR.

Would he suit us better? Because fans are starting to doubt Alan Pardew.

It's obviously too late to make a move, but I don't think Harry has changed his mind - I don't think he would come to Tyneside as long as Ashley was boss.

Today Redknapp admitted trying to keep QPR in the Premier League will be his toughest challenge yet.  The former Tottenham boss has taken over a side rooted to the foot of the table, with just four points from 13 games and without a win all season.

He has saved Portsmouth from relegation and took a Tottenham side from bottom of the table to the Champions League the following season.

Harry "The Bung": "We mustn't kid ourselves, this is much tougher that those two jobs in my opinion, but I'm optimistic we can pull it off.

"I want to be successful here, really badly. I want to keep this team in the Premier League. If the players try as hard as I am going to try we'll be successful.

"We've got to do better to give ourselves any chance of getting out of this mess.

"I need 11 people with ability to put effort in. If they don't they're not going to play and I'll get 11 people who do. I've got no time for people who lose the ball and stand their with hands in the air.

"The lads I met yesterday were all upbeat.

"They've got to realise they are in this position because they haven't really performed to their capabilities and they've got to do better.

"The players have to take responsibility for performances, they've got to up their performance level and get us out of trouble."

Source: Newcastle United Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD